System for active configuration of devices based on user selection

ABSTRACT

Systems, computer program products, and methods are described herein for active management of devices based on user selection. The present invention is configured to initiate a control interface, wherein the control interface comprises one or more features associated with the one or more devices; receive a user selection of at least one of the one or more features associated with the one or more devices, thereby allowing one or more control factors associated with the one or more features to be modified; determine an optimum value for the one or more selected features, wherein the optimum value aids the user in accomplishing the selected target; and modify a value associated with the one or more selected features to reflect the optimum value.

FIELD

The present invention relates to utilizing centralized control ofapplications and devices of a user in order to achieve desired targetsof the user.

BACKGROUND

Achieving targets of a user may be based on a number of applicationsand/or devices that operate independently from each other. However,these disparate applications and/or devices may all contribute torelated targets of a user. Typically, a user is required to takeinformation from these applications and/or devices in order to determinewhat targets a user would like to accomplish and how the user isachieving the user targets. As such, there is a need to improve how auser determines targets in which the user is interested and how tomonitor the applications and/or devices in order to reach the targets.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of one or more embodimentsof the present invention, in order to provide a basic understanding ofsuch embodiments. This summary is not an extensive overview of allcontemplated embodiments, and is intended to neither identify key orcritical elements of all embodiments nor delineate the scope of any orall embodiments. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one ormore embodiments of the present invention in a simplified form as aprelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

Generally, systems, computer program products, and methods are describedherein for determining the applications and/or devices that a userusers, or has used in the past; categorizing the applications and/ordevices related to one or more potential targets in which the user maybeinterested; providing the one or more potential targets to the user in atarget interface; receiving a selection from the user of one or moreactive targets to pursue; providing suggested applications and/ordevices that the user may want to utilize in order to help achieve theone or more active targets; the system monitors and aggregatesinformation from the applications and devices related to the one or moreactive targets and provides suggestions to aid in achieving the targets;control of the applications and/or devices related to the one or moreactive targets is controllable by the user in a central location; thesystem may automatically control the applications and/or devices relatedto the one or more active targets in order to aid in achieving the oneor more active targets; and the aggregated information and/or one ormore targets may be pushed to other systems to act as filters oradditional information for other systems or applications to providegoods and/or services (e.g., products) or better identify products topresent to the user.

In one aspect, a system for active management of devices based on userselection is presented. The system comprises at least one non-transitorystorage device; at least one processor; and at least one module storedin said storage device and comprising instruction code that isexecutable by the at least one processor and configured to cause said atleast one processor to: establish a communication link with a userdevice, wherein the establishing further comprises establishing a datachannel to access a user device; access the user device via theestablished data channel, wherein accessing further comprisesdetermining a plurality applications stored on the user device;determine a plurality of devices associated with the user based at leastin part on the plurality of applications; initiate, via the establishedcommunication link, a presentation of a target interface, wherein thetarget interface comprises one or more target categories and one or moretargets associated with the one or more target categories determinedbased on at least the plurality of devices and the plurality ofapplications; receive, via the target interface, a user selection of atarget category and a target associated with the target category;initiate, via the established communication link, a control interface,wherein the control interface comprises one or more features associatedwith the plurality of devices; receive, via the control interface, auser selection of at least one of the one or more features associatedwith the plurality of devices, thereby allowing one or more controlfactors associated with the one or more features to be modified;determine an optimum value for the one or more selected features,wherein applying the optimum value to the one or more selected featuresaids the user in accomplishing the selected target; and modify a valueassociated with the one or more selected features to reflect the optimumvalue.

In some embodiments, the plurality of devices are currently connected toa user device and/or the plurality of applications are currently storedon the user device.

In some embodiments, the plurality of devices and/or the plurality ofapplications have been connected to the user device in the past.

In some embodiments, the module is further configured to cause the atleast one processor to: execute a simulation by varying one or morevalues of the one or more features relative to the selected target,wherein executing further comprises determining an impact valueassociated with the selected target, wherein the impact value indicatesa likelihood of the user accomplishing the target; and determine anoptimum value for the one or more features based on at least the impactvalue.

In some embodiments, the module is further configured to cause the atleast one processor to: initiate a presentation of an authenticationinterface in response to determining the plurality of devices associatedwith the user and the plurality of applications stored on the userdevice; receive, via the authentication interface, one or moreauthentication credentials from the user; validate the one or moreauthentication credentials; and access the plurality of devicesassociated with the user and/or the plurality of applications stored onthe user device, wherein accessing further comprises modifying at leastone control factor associated with the plurality of devices via theplurality of applications stored on the user device.

In some embodiments, the module is further configured to cause the atleast one processor to: determine one or more additional devices and/orone or more additional applications associated with the user based on atleast determining that the one or more additional devices when combinedwith the plurality of devices aids the user to accomplish the target.

In some embodiments, the one or more additional devices are notcurrently connected to a user device and/or the one or more additionalapplications are not currently stored on the user device.

In some embodiments, the one or more additional devices and/or the oneor more additional applications have not been connected to the userdevice in the past.

In another aspect, a method for active management of devices based onuser selection is presented. The method comprises establishing, using acomputing device processor, a communication link with a user device,wherein the establishing further comprises establishing a data channelto access a user device; accessing, using a computing device processor,the user device via the established data channel, wherein accessingfurther comprises determining a plurality applications stored on theuser device; determining, using a computing device processor, aplurality of devices associated with the user based at least in part onthe plurality of applications; initiating, via the establishedcommunication link, a presentation of a target interface, wherein thetarget interface comprises one or more target categories and one or moretargets associated with the one or more target categories determinedbased on at least the plurality of devices and the plurality ofapplications; receiving, via the target interface, a user selection of atarget category and a target associated with the target category;initiating, via the established communication link, a control interface,wherein the control interface comprises one or more features associatedwith the plurality of devices; receiving, via the control interface, auser selection of at least one of the one or more features associatedwith the plurality of devices, thereby allowing one or more controlfactors associated with the one or more features to be modified;determining, using a computing device processor, an optimum value forthe one or more selected features, wherein applying the optimum value tothe one or more selected features aids the user in accomplishing theselected target; and modifying, using a computing device processor, avalue associated with the one or more selected features to reflect theoptimum value.

In yet another aspect, a computer program product for active managementof devices based on user selection is presented. The computer programproduct comprises a non-transitory computer-readable medium comprisingcode causing a first apparatus to: establish a communication link with auser device, wherein the establishing further comprises establishing adata channel to access a user device; access the user device via theestablished data channel, wherein accessing further comprisesdetermining a plurality applications stored on the user device;determine a plurality of devices associated with the user based at leastin part on the plurality of applications; initiate, via the establishedcommunication link, a presentation of a target interface, wherein thetarget interface comprises one or more target categories and one or moretargets associated with the one or more target categories determinedbased on at least the plurality of devices and the plurality ofapplications; receive, via the target interface, a user selection of atarget category and a target associated with the target category;initiate, via the established communication link, a control interface,wherein the control interface comprises one or more features associatedwith the plurality of devices; receive, via the control interface, auser selection of at least one of the one or more features associatedwith the plurality of devices, thereby allowing one or more controlfactors associated with the one or more features to be modified;determine an optimum value for the one or more selected features,wherein applying the optimum value to the one or more selected featuresaids the user in accomplishing the selected target; and modify a valueassociated with the one or more selected features to reflect the optimumvalue.

To the accomplishment the foregoing and the related ends, the one ormore embodiments comprise the features hereinafter described andparticularly pointed out in the claims. The following description andthe annexed drawings set forth certain illustrative features of the oneor more embodiments. These features are indicative, however, of but afew of the various ways in which the principles of various embodimentsmay be employed, and this description is intended to include all suchembodiments and their equivalents.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Having thus described embodiments of the invention in general terms,reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are notnecessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a linked system environment, inaccordance with embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of linked home devices, in accordancewith embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of linked personal devices, inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4A presents an illustration of the authentication continuum inaccordance to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4B presents an illustration of the application functions permittedcontinuum in accordance to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4C presents an illustration of the coupling of the applicationfunctions permitted continuum and the levels of authentication continuumin accordance to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4D presents an illustration of the relationship between thefunctions permitted and the authentication types in accordance to oneembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a high level process flow of embodiments of theinvention, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a process flow for accessing the user computer systemto determine applications thereon in accordance with embodiments of theinvention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a process flow for accessing the user computer systemto determine devices connected therewith in accordance with embodimentsof the invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a process flow for categorizing applications anddevices to determine information about the user and the devices inaccordance with embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a high level process flow for configuration anddevice connectivity based on user selection, in accordance with oneembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates a high level process flow for device connectivityand device control based on user selection, in accordance with oneembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 illustrates a process flow for active configuration of devicesbased on user selection, in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 12 illustrates a process flow for data aggregation, in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13 illustrates a process flow for active selection configurationsystem with suggested actions, in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 14 illustrates a process flow for using the aggregated data toimprove the user's experience when utilizing various applications toreach the target, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 15 illustrates a link application device detection and connectiondashboard displayed on an interactive integrated interface in accordancewith one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 16 illustrates a link application interest determination dashboarddisplayed on an interactive integrated interface in accordance with oneembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 17 illustrates a link application category configuration dashboarddisplayed on an interactive integrated interface in accordance with oneembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 18 illustrates a link application target configuration and deviceconnectivity dashboard displayed on an interactive integrated interfacein accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 19 illustrates the link application target configuration and deviceconnectivity dashboard displayed on the interactive integrated interfacein accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention will now be described more fullyhereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some,but not all, embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, theinvention may be embodied in many different forms and should not beconstrued as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, theseembodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicablelegal requirements. In the following description, for purposes ofexplanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to providea thorough understanding of one or more embodiments. It may be evident;however, that such embodiment(s) may be practiced without these specificdetails. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

Systems, methods, and computer program products are herein disclosedthat provide the ability to identify applications and devices that auser utilizes, or have utilized in the past. The applications anddevices are categorized and targets based on the categorizedapplications and devices are presented to the user for selection asgraphical indicators (e.g., cards, or the like). After the user selectsa target, additional applications and devices may be presented to theuser that may help to achieve the target. The user may add theapplications and/or devices at any point in time and the applicationsand/or devices may be combined with the other applications and devicesrelated to the selected targets. The applications and devices related tothe selected targets may be linked in a centralized location to allowmonitoring of the applications and/or devices (e.g., manually by theuser or automatically by the system). Information from the applicationsand/or devices are aggregated and feedback regarding the applicationsand devices are provided to the user in order to help the user achievethe selected targets. The applications and/or devices may be controlledautomatically by the systems and/or manually by the user through thesystems to help meet targets, as will be descried throughout thisspecification. The aggregated information related to the applicationsand/or devices may be shared with other entities to provide product(e.g., goods or services) suggestions to help the user reach theselected targets.

Embodiments of the invention allow for monitoring of combinations ofdevices that are associated with targets. It should be understood thatdifferent applications and/or devices may be related to differenttargets and may work together for achieving the targets or may haveconflicting impacts on reaching the targets, such as aiding in onetarget while hindering another target. Information received from theapplications and/or devices is transformed and aggregated in order toallow the user to manually, or the system to automatically, control theapplications and/or devices in a centralized location to achieve thetargets. For example, the user may control devices linked in thecentralized located to achieve one or more targets, such as saving moneyby reducing costs, improving health, reducing energy consumption,improving investing returns, taking a vacation, saving money on foodexpenses (e.g., which may work counter to improving health), or anyother like target that may be suggested to the user or selected by theuser, as will be discussed throughout this specification.

FIG. 1 illustrates a link system environment 1, in accordance withembodiments of the invention. As illustrated in FIG. 1, one or more linksystems 10 are operatively coupled, via a network 2, to one or more usercomputer systems 20, one or more financial institution systems 30, oneor more other systems 40, and/or one or more devices 50. In this way,the user 4 (or one or more customers of the financial institution, orthe like) may allow the link application 17 to take actions and/orutilize the link application 17 to communicate with (e.g., send orreceive data from, control, or the like) the applications 27 and/ordevices 50 associated with the user 4. The link application 17 mayutilize the network 2 to communicate with applications 27 on the usercomputer systems 20, financial applications on the financial institutionsystems 30, other applications on other systems, or specific devices 50(discussed in further detail with respect to FIGS. 2 and 3, andthroughout the specification).

In some embodiments of the invention the one or more link systems 10 maymonitor, store, and provide information related to applications 27 anddevices 50 discussed herein in order to help the user 4 (e.g., customer,or the like) meet various targets provided automatically by the systemor inputted by the user 4.

The network 2 may be a global area network (GAN), such as the Internet,a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), or any other typeof network or combination of networks. The network 2 may provide forwireline, wireless, or a combination of wireline and wirelesscommunication between systems, services, components, and/or devices onthe network 2.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the link systems 10 generally comprise one ormore communication components 12, one or more processing components 14,and one or more memory components 16. The one or more processingcomponents 14 are operatively coupled to the one or more communicationcomponents 12 and the one or more memory components 16. As used herein,the term “processing component” generally includes circuitry used forimplementing the communication and/or logic functions of a particularsystem. For example, a processing component 14 may include a digitalsignal processor component, a microprocessor component, and variousanalog-to-digital converters, digital-to-analog converters, and othersupport circuits and/or combinations of the foregoing. Control andsignal processing functions of the system are allocated between theseprocessing components according to their respective capabilities. Theone or more processing components 14 may include functionality tooperate one or more software programs based on computer-readableinstructions 18 thereof, which may be stored in the one or more memorycomponents 16.

The one or more processing components 14 use the one or morecommunication components 12 to communicate with the network 2 and othercomponents on the network 2, such as, but not limited to, the usercomputer systems 20, the financial institution systems 30, other systems40 (e.g., third-party systems, or the like), and/or devices 50. As such,the one or more communication components 12 generally comprise awireless transceiver, modem, server, electrical connection, electricalcircuit, or other component for communicating with other components onthe network 2. The one or more communication components 12 may furtherinclude an interface that accepts one or more network interface cards,ports for connection of network components, Universal Serial Bus (USB)connectors and the like.

As further illustrated in FIG. 1, the link systems 10 comprisecomputer-readable instructions 18 stored in the memory component 16,which in one embodiment includes the computer-readable instructions 18of a link application 17. In some embodiments, the one or more memorycomponents 16 include one or more datastores 19 for storing data relatedto the link systems 10, including, but not limited to, data created,accessed, and/or used by the link application 17.

The link application 17 may be a tool, website, mobile device app, othercomputer system app, applet, combinations or multiples thereof, or thelike that is used to take the actions discussed throughout thespecification. For example, the link application 17 identifiesapplications 27 and devices 50 that a user utilizes, categorizes theapplications and devices, suggests additional applications and/oradditional devices, provides graphical indicators (e.g., cards, or thelike) associated with applications and devices (e.g., the ones utilizedby the user and suggested for use) related to targets (e.g., provided bythe user or determined automatically), allows users to link to theapplications and devices, monitors the applications and devices,provides feedback regarding the applications and devices, allows theuser to control the applications and devices through a centralizedlocation, provides data (e.g., individual data or aggregated data)associated with the applications and devices to help meet targets, aswill be discussed throughout this application.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, users 4 may access the link application 17, orother applications, through a user computer system 20. The user computersystem 20 may be a desktop, laptop, tablet, mobile device (e.g.,smartphone device, or other mobile device), or any other type ofcomputer that generally comprises one or more communication components22, one or more processing components 24, and one or more memorycomponents 26.

The one or more processing components 24 are operatively coupled to theone or more communication components 22, and the one or more memorycomponents 26. The one or more processing components 24 use the one ormore communication components 22 to communicate with the network 2 andother components on the network 2, such as, but not limited to, the linksystems 10, the financial institution systems 30, the other systems 40,and/or the other devices 50, which may or may not be specificallyillustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 and/or otherwise described herein. As such,the one or more communication components 22 generally comprise awireless transceiver, modem, server, electrical connection, or othercomponent for communicating with other components on the network 2. Theone or more communication components 12 may further include an interfacethat accepts one or more network interface cards, ports for connectionof network components, Universal Serial Bus (USB) connectors and thelike. Moreover, the one or more communication components 22 may includea keypad, keyboard, touch-screen, touchpad, microphone, mouse, joystick,other pointer component, button, soft key, and/or other input/outputcomponent(s) for communicating with the users 4.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the user computer systems 20 may havecomputer-readable instructions 28 stored in the one or more memorycomponents 26, which in one embodiment includes the computer-readableinstructions 28 of applications 27, such as dedicated applications(e.g., apps, applet, or the like), portions of dedicated applications,web browser or other apps that allow access to applications located onother systems, or the like. The applications 27 may include any type ofapplication that the user may utilize, such as but in no way limited to,an appliance application, a wearable device application, a shoppingapplication, a financial account application, a budgeting application,media application, social media application, exercise application, orany other type of application which may or may not be explicitlydiscussed herein. It should be understood that the applications 27 maybe associated with and control the devices 50, or the applications 27may be separate from specific dedicated devices 50, or may be acombination thereof (e.g., some applications 27 related to and used forcontrolling the devices 50, and some applications that are unrelated tothe devices 50).

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the financial institution systems 30 areoperatively coupled to the link systems 10, user computer systems 20,other systems 40, or the like, through the network 2. The financialinstitution systems 30 have components the same as or similar to thecomponents described with respect to the link systems 10 and/or usercomputer systems 20 (e.g., one or more communication components, one ormore processing components, and one or more memory devices withcomputer-readable instructions of one or more applications, one or moredatastores, or the like). Thus, the financial institution systems 30communicate with the link systems 10, the user computer systems 20, andthe other systems 40, and/or each other in same or similar way aspreviously described with respect to the link systems 10 and/or the usercomputer systems 20. The financial institution systems 30, in someembodiments, may include financial institution accounts, which the usermay utilize to set cost targets, pay for products, receive rewards,receive or send funds, or take any other monetary actions that arerelated to the one or more targets in the link application, the usercomputer systems 20, the other systems 30, the devices 50, or the like.

The other systems 40 (e.g., other financial institution systems,merchant systems, social networking systems, systems associated with thedevices 50, systems associated with the applications 27 on the usercomputer systems 20, or the like) are operatively coupled to the linksystems 10, user computer systems 20, and financial institution systems30, through the network 2. The other systems 40 have components the sameas or similar to the components described for the financial institutionsystems 10 and the user computer systems 20 (e.g., one or morecommunication components, one or more processing components, one or morememory components with computer-readable instructions, one or moreapplications stored in the one or more memory components, one or moredatastores, or the like). Thus, the other systems 40 communicate withthe link systems 10, the user computer systems 20, and the financialinstitution systems 30, and/or each other in the same or similar way aspreviously described with respect to the link systems 10, the usercomputer systems 20, and/or the financial institution systems 30. Theother systems 40, in some embodiments, provide the information andcontrol that can be used to reach the targets of the user 4 and/oraccess and control the devices 50, or may be other types of systems 30related to social networking, financial information, or any othersystems related to entities that send or receive information through thenetwork 2.

The devices 50 (e.g., as described with respect to FIGS. 2 and 3, or thelike) are operatively coupled to the link systems 10, user computersystems 20, and financial institution systems 30, through the network 2.The devices 50 have components the same as or similar to the componentsdescribed for the financial institution systems 10 and the user computersystems 20 (e.g., one or more communication components, one or moreprocessing components, one or more memory components withcomputer-readable instructions, one or more applications stored in theone or more memory components, one or more datastores, or the like).Thus, the devices 50 communicate with the link systems 10, the usercomputer systems 20, the financial institution systems 30, other systems40, and/or each other in the same or similar way as previously describedwith respect to the link systems 10, the user computer systems 20, thefinancial institution systems 30, and/or the other systems 40.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the devices 50 may include devices within ahousehold environment 100, such that user computer systems 20 (e.g.,user mobile device, or the like) can communicate with TVs 102 (e.g.,smart-tvs for turning off, controlling brightness settings, or thelike); thermostats 104 (e.g., for turning up or down the temperaturebased on time of day, outside temperature, location of users within thehome, or the like); home energy sources 106 (e.g., control alternativesources of energy such as use of solar, wind, battery storage, or otherlike devices including sources of energy that power personal devices50); water heaters 108 (e.g., determine temperatures at which to set thehot water, when to turn on/off hot water heating based on userpatterns); stoves 110 (e.g., for running the stove more efficiently);refrigerators 112 (e.g., turning up/down the temperature of the cold andfreezer locations based on time of day, how often the doors are open,and amount of goods in the refrigerator); lights 114 (e.g., turningon/off lights, dimming lights or the like based on time of day, or thelike); doors 116 (e.g., sending notifications when doors are open orwhen hot/cold air is leaking through the door, such as door cracks);outlets 118 (e.g., turning off smart outlets when the devices pluggedinto the outlets are not being used to prevent energy bleeding);speakers 120 (e.g., turning off wired or wireless speakers when not inuse); wireless routers 122 (e.g., controlling on/off or use of wirelesssystems); security system 124 (e.g., remotely controlling a user'ssecurity system), and/or any other control box devices 126 that may beintegral with or attached to any of the forgoing (e.g., boxes not a partof a TV, but connected to a TV to allow “smart” functions, or the like),or other devices 50. As such, the user 4 may control or monitor (e.g.,manually or allow automatic control) any of these devices 50 through theuse of one or more applications 27, or as described in further detaillater, through the use of a linked application 17 in order to achievetargets which may be impacted by one or more of the devices 50. Thesedevices 50 may communicate over the network 2, as was previouslydescribed with respect to the linked system environment 1 discussed andillustrated in FIG. 1. Moreover, the user 4 may send, or receive, anyinformation captured by the devices 50 or used by the devices 50.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the devices 50 may also include devicesassociated with a personal environment 150, such as a wearable devices152 (e.g., watch, exercise band, glasses, device embedded into shirts,shoes, jewelry, skin, or the like that may monitor a user's exercise,stress, heat rate, distance traveled, or health related metrics, or maybe used to enter into transactions, or the like); a vehicle device 154(e.g., device integral in a car and/or attached to the car that monitorshow and/or where a user drives, or the like); a boat device 156 (e.g.,provides similar monitoring as the vehicle device), other motorized ormanual transport (e.g., scooter, cycle, or the like that providessimilar monitoring as the vehicle device); devices of other users 158(e.g., mobile devices of dependents, such as children or parents,employees, or the like that may be utilized to determine the location ofusers in order to determine when devices 50 in the home environment 100may be turned on/off, monitor the movement of the other users, or thelike). As previously discussed with respect to the household environment100, the user 4 may control and monitor (e.g., manually or allowautomatic control) any of these devices 50 in the personal environment150 through the use of one or more applications 27, or as described infurther detail later, through the use of a linked application 17 inorder to achieve targets which may be impacted by one or more of thedevices 50. These devices 50 may communicate over the network 2, as waspreviously described with respect to the linked system environment 1discussed and illustrated in FIG. 1. Moreover, the user 4 may send, orreceive, any information captured by the devices 50 or used by thedevices 50.

It should be understood that the systems or devices 50 described hereinmay communicate with each other through the use of Wi-Fi connections,Bluetooth, NFC, other wireless connections, physical connections, or thelike.

Typically, the user may be required to authenticate identity for accessto an application or device, or for access to a particular feature,function or action of an application or device. Numerous types andlevels of user authentication exist. For example, a user mayauthenticate his or her identity using a unique alias such as a usernameand/or password. Further, in some situations, challenge questions,familiar pictures and/or phrases, biometrics, key fob-based alphanumericcodes and/or collocation, authentication of another application such asa similar application or an “overarching” application, and/or the likemay be used as types of identity authentication.

The different types of authentication may provide differing degrees ofconfidence regarding the authentication using such types. For example,if a username by itself is used for a first user authentication, and ausername along with a password is used for a second authentication, thenthe second authentication should provide a higher confidence regardingthe authentication because of the additional layer of authenticationrequired. Further, within the types of authentication, varying levels ofconfidence may be used. For example, when using a password, anadministrator may require users to create a password according to strictrules designed to increase the security level of the password, andtherefore increase the confidence of any authentication using thepassword.

Accordingly, a continuum of authentication may be used to quantify (ordictate) the levels of authentication. Likewise, a continuum offunctions permitted may be used to quantify (or dictate) the number orcontext in which functions are permitted.

Referring to FIG. 4A, a continuum of authentication 400A is illustratedaccording to embodiments of the invention. On the left-hand side of thecontinuum, a “zero authentication” requires no authenticationcredentials. On the right-hand side of the continuum, a “hardauthentication” requires full authentication credentials. This meansthat it requires the strictest combination of credentials. In betweenthe two extremes, “a soft authentication” requires minimal credentials,moderate credentials or most credentials for various points along thecontinuum. The continuum generally represents the number of credentialsrequired and/or the relative strength of the credentials required forthat point on the continuum. As discussed below with reference to FIG.4C, the continuum of authentication 400A may be coupled with anapplication functions permitted continuum 400B, first illustrated inFIG. 4B.

Referring to FIG. 4B, the application functions permitted continuum 400Billustrates various levels of application functions permitted. Functionsmay refer to what a user is permitted to “see” and/or what the user ispermitted to “do”. More specifically, this may refer to whether aspecific function is permitted at a certain point on the continuumand/or the context in which a certain function is permitted. Theleft-hand side of the continuum indicates that no functions arepermitted, and the right-hand side of the continuum indicates that allfunctions are permitted. In between the extremes, minimal functions arepermitted, moderate functions are permitted and most functions arepermitted. Thus, any given point along the continuum 400B correspondswith a certain amount and/or number of functions that are permittedand/or the context in which certain functions are permitted.

Referring now to FIG. 4C, a diagram 400C illustrates a coupling of theapplication functions permitted continuum 400B and the levels ofauthentication continuum 400A. As shown, the continua 400B and 400A maybe coupled with one another such that the various points along thecontinua intersect at specific points of the coupled continuum. Forexample, one continuum may be moved left or right with respect to theother continuum in order to achieve a different relationship between thefunctions permitted and the credentials required. Accordingly, for agiven coupling, a specific point on continuum 400B provides that aparticular function or functions may be permitted given that a specifiedlevel of authentication credentials are supplied, as indicated by thecorresponding point on continuum 400A. For example, a financialinstitution and/or a user may arrange the continua 400B and 400A withrespect to one another and may adjust the arrangement based on changingdesires or goals.

In some embodiments, one or both the continua 400B and 400A may haveweighted scales such that, as a point on the continuum is moved, thecorresponding functions permitted and/or level of authenticationrequired may change exponentially or otherwise. Furthermore, in variousembodiments, other representations of the various functions permittedthat correspond with the various levels of authentication may be used bythe invention.

Referring now to FIG. 4D, a diagram 400D illustrates a relationshipbetween the functions permitted and the authentication types. As shownin FIG. 4D, the soft authentication continuum between zeroauthentication and hard authentication may include one or moreauthentication types (A, B, C in the Figure). In one aspect, the one ormore authentication types corresponding to the one or moreauthentication credentials received from the user and one or morefunctions associated with the application permitted for user access arepositively correlated. For example, a username may enable the user togain access to checking balance, a username and password may enable theuser to gain access to checking balance, funds transfer between theuser's first bank account and second bank account, and downloadingprevious statements, and a username, password and challenge question mayenable the user to gain complete access to all the functions of theapplications and devices. In one aspect, the user may have to provideauthentication credentials corresponding to authentication types A and Bto gain access to moderate functions associated with the application.For example, the user may provide a username and password to access abalance check and funds transfer. In another aspect, the user may haveto provide authentication credentials corresponding to authenticationtypes A, B, and C to gain access to most function associated with theapplication. For example, the user may provide a username, password, anda personal identification number to access a balance check, a fundstransfer, a deposit, and a bill-pay. In yet another aspect, the user mayhave to only provide authentication credentials corresponding toauthentication type A to gain access to minimal functions associatedwith the application. For example, the user may provide a username toaccess a balance check.

In some embodiments of the invention one or more of the systemsdescribed herein may be combined with each other, or otherwise performthe functions of the other systems described herein. In otherembodiments of the invention one or more of the applications describedherein may be combined with each other, or otherwise perform thefunctions of the other applications described herein. Furthermore, theapplications may be any type of application, such as an applicationstored on a desktop, server, or other device, a mobile applicationstored on a mobile device, a cloud application, or other likeapplication. As such, the applications described herein, or portions ofthe applications described herein may be stored and operated on any ofthe systems or devices 50 described herein. For example, a portion ofthe link application 17 may be stored on the user computer systems 20,or may be included as a portion of financial institution applications,such as an online banking application, in order to achieve theinventions described herein.

It should be understood, that the systems and devices 50 described inFIGS. 1-3, or other devices not specifically described herein, may beconfigured to establish a communication link with each other in order toaccomplish the steps of the processes described herein. The link may bean internal link within the same entity (e.g., within the same financialinstitution or device provider) or a link with the other systems ofentities (e.g., social networking systems, third-party systems, or thelike). In some embodiments, the systems may be configured for monitoringthe applications 27 and devices 50 that the user utilizes. Theinformation received from monitoring may be provided via wirelessnetwork path portions through the Internet. When the systems or devices50 are not monitoring a source or are not being monitoring, theinformation need not be transmitted from the source through the Internetto the destination, although it could be. The sources of information maybe made continuously available, however, continuously available does notnecessarily mean that the sources actually continuously generates data,but that a source is continuously available to generate and send datareal-time (e.g., instantaneously and/or within a few seconds, or thelike) of receiving a request for it. In any case, the sources may becontinuously available to receive and/or generate information, in somecases in digitized data in Internet Protocol (IP) packet format. Inresponse to continuously monitoring the real-time data feeds from thevarious systems or devices 50, the system may be configured to providetarget information to the user 4 and/or allow the user to make changesto or control the applications 27 and/or devices 50, in part in order toreach the target.

Moreover, it should be understood that the process flows describedherein include transforming the information sent and/or received fromthe applications of the different systems (e.g., internally orexternally) and/or the devices 50 from one or more data formats into adata format associated with the link application 17 for display to theuser 4 on the user computer systems 20. There are many ways in whichinformation is converted within the linked system environment 1. Thismay be seamless, as in the case of upgrading to a newer version of acomputer program. Alternatively, the conversion may require processingby the use of a special conversion program, or it may involve a complexprocess of going through intermediary stages, or involving complex“exporting” and “importing” procedures, which may converting to and froma tab-delimited or comma-separated text file. In some cases, a programmay recognize several data file formats at the data input stage and thenis also capable of storing the output data in a number of differentformats. Such a program may be used to convert a file format. If thesource format or target format is not recognized, then at times a thirdprogram may be available which permits the conversion to an intermediateformat, which can then be reformatted.

In some embodiments, the system provides a comprehensive integratedplatform for device discovery, active device control and targetconfiguration. In this regard, the system may establish an operativecommunication channel with a user device associated with a user througha suitable network. The user device, as described above, may be a mobiledevice, a computing device (for example, desktop/laptop computer, tabletcomputer, smartphone, and the like), a personal digital assistant, awearable device or any other device comprising a processor or amicroprocessor, configured to run one or more applications. In someembodiments, establishing an operative communication channel maycomprise, registering one or more user devices, determining user deviceand network identifiers (for example, mobile identification numbers,unique serial numbers, phone numbers, subscriber identification numbers,IP address, and the like) and receiving access permissions from theuser. In some embodiments, the user may initiate the operativecommunication channel by installing a link application 17 on a userdevice. The link application 17 may be configured to access one or moreapplications on the user device, one or more devices/functionalityassociated with the user device (for example, global positioning device(GPS), camera, motion sensors and the like) and one or more applicationsand devices associated with user devices. In some embodiments, the linkapplication 17 may augment or replace the interfaces of an existingoperating system of the user device. In this regard, the linkapplication 17 may cause the operating system to perform one or morefunctions.

In some embodiments, the link application 17 provides an interactiveintegrated interface on the user device, for example, the user'ssmartphone or a tablet computer. The interactive integrated interfacemay comprise one or more interfaces or dashboards, comprising audio,visual and/or tactile elements, presented on the user device. In someembodiments, the interactive interface may comprise a link applicationdevice detection and connection dashboard 1500, a link applicationinterest determination dashboard 1600, a link application categoryconfiguration dashboard 1700 and a link application target configurationand device connectivity dashboard 1800-1900, illustrated in FIGS. 15-19,which will be discussed in further detail throughout the specification.

FIG. 5 illustrates a high level process flow according to embodiments ofthe invention. As illustrated by block 510, the system accesses the usercomputer systems (e.g., accessing the user's mobile device, or the like,with authorization from the user 4). After accessing the user computersystem 20, embodiments of the invention determine the applications thatthe user 4 has on the user computer system 20. For example, the user mayutilize a travel application, thermostat application, marketplaceapplication, social media application, payment application, exerciseapplication for an exercise device, traditional media application,interactive computer device, or any other type of application that isdiscussed or not specifically discussed herein.

As illustrated by block 520 in FIG. 5 the system further determines thedevices that are currently connected to the user computer system 20and/or that have been connected to the user computer system 20 in thepast. For example, as illustrated by FIGS. 2 and 3, the user may utilizea wearable device 152, a smart thermostat device 104, a smart TV device102, light devices 114, outlet devices 118, vehicle devices 154, or thelike.

Block 530 in FIG. 5 illustrates that the system categorizes theapplications 27 and/or devices 50 in order to determine informationabout the user. This information may be used to identify targets,suggest other applications or devices to meet the targets, providesuggestions for achieving the targets, provide other related content, orthe like to present to the user based on the categories of applicationsand/or devices, as discussed in further detail throughout thisspecification. The categories including the applications 27 and/ordevices 50 may be displayed to the user 4 on the customer computersystem 20 through a link interface, as illustrated in one embodiment inFIGS. 15-19.

As illustrated by block 540, based on the categorization of theapplications 27 and/or the devices 50 (e.g., being currently utilized orsuggested by the system as described below), the system uses informationfrom the applications 27, devices 50, connection discovery with thedevices, transactional account information, social media information,pattern data of a user device, or the like to determine targets that maybe of interest to the user 4 and suggest the targets to the user basedon “target cards” or other graphical indicators, which may displayedgraphically to the user 4 in a target interface. An example of oneembodiment of the target interface is illustrated in FIGS. 15-19. Thetarget interface illustrates different types of targets that the user 4may be interested in based on the applications 27 and/or devices 50 thatthe user utilizes, have utilized in the past, or may utilize in thefuture (e.g., if the user decides to download the application in thefuture, or the like). The targets may be presented in the form of cards(or other graphical indicators) that illustrate information about eachof the targets, such as but not limited to if a connection is madebetween the link application 17 and the applications 27 and/or devices50, account balance information for the user accounts, monthly budgetinformation related to the applications 27 and/or devices 50, andcontrol and monitoring information related to the applications 27 and/ordevices 50.

Block 550 illustrates that following a selection of a target by a user,the system configures the applications 27, devices 50, and the likeassociated with the user 4 to provide information and feedbackassociated with the selected target to the user 4 in a target interface.For example, once the user 4 selects a target card, the system monitorsthe target, interacts with any applications 27 and/or devices 50 used tomeet the target.

Block 560 of FIG. 5 illustrates that the system may determine additionalapplications and/or devices that may help with achieving the target. Forexample, in order to meet the user's “energy target,” the system maysuggest the purchase of smart thermostat 104, smart outlets 120, or thelike. The system may push information regarding the target to serviceproviders for offers to present to the user 4. For example, if thetarget is travel, the system could push info to travel companies such asamount available to spend, preferences of the user, places the user hasnot traveled to before, or the like in order to identify more detailedoffers. If the target is investing, the system could send investmentarticles relevant to the user 4, or the like. Alternatively, the systemcould send deals, coupons, or the like, when it detects a user is in aparticular store and at least one of the user targets are related.

Block 570 illustrates that the system monitors the ability of the user 4to meet the selected one or more targets through aggregation of the data(e.g., application and/or device information). For example, the systemmay prompt the user to log into devices through applications, intoapplications, such as other accounts, rewards programs, or the like thatthe user 4 maintains that are relevant to the one or more targetsselected. The system may then aggregate data from these devices 50 andapplications 27, as well as use the log in as access to control thedevices 50 and/or applications 27 (as described below). The systemallows for control to ensure that target is met, can note when addedfunds are available for the target, can note rewards that can be appliedto the target, etc. The system can also note when the user 4 has itemsturned off, or does not have items that if added would enhance thetarget and provide suggestions for such additions.

As illustrated by block 580, the system may automatically control theapplications 27 and/or devices 50 in order to aid the user 4 inachieving the user's target. For example, the system may control thedevices 50 via selections made by the user 4 via the interface, such asadjusting a smart thermostat 104 based on target selections set by theuser 4. In other examples, the system determines that the users 4 (e.g.,the user through which the applications are run and any associatedusers) are not located at the user's home, and in response the systemmay automatically turn down the heat or air conditioner to save energyand/or turn off lights that have been left on. The system also monitorsthe patterns of the users 4 or detects when users 4 are not using thedevices 50, such as when the users 4 are travelling. The system notesthe on-time patterns of the devices 50, and controls the devices basedon the patterns of the user 4.

Block 590 illustrates that the system may also use the aggregated datafrom the devices 50 and/or applications 27 to prepopulate data in otherapps, such as data used to refine searches on internet browsers, realestate sites, marketplace websites, social media sites, or the like. Forexample, a user's data and targets indicate various components of a realestate search, such as budget, style, or the like. This data is providedto real estate websites to create inputs to search filters to make iteasier to identify the real estate in which user 4 is interested. Inother examples, the user's exercise habits may be determined throughwearable devices 152, and the aggregated data from the devices may bepresented to fitness applications to help improve upon the effectivenessof the user's exercise habits, while also reducing user costs associatedwith the user's exercise.

The broad concepts illustrated and described above with respect to FIGS.1-5, and in particular with respect to the process flow described inFIG. 5, will be described individually or in combination with each otherin further detail below. FIG. 6 illustrates a process flow for accessingthe user computer system 20 (e.g., the mobile device system which is onetype of user computer system) to determine applications downloaded,installed and/or associated with the user computer system 20 or usernetwork according to embodiments of the invention. The first step, asrepresented by block 610, is to request authorization from the user 4 toaccess the user computer system 20 in order to determine theapplications that the user has on the user computer system 20. The nextstep, as represented by block 620, is to receive authorization from theuser to access the user computer system 20 to determine the applicationsthat the user 4 has on the user computer system 20. This interactionwith the user 4 may take place in a variety of ways in differentembodiments. For example, the request for authorization may betransmitted from the financial institution systems 30 to the user mobiledevice system 20 and the user mobile device systems 20 may thencommunicate the request to the user 4. Then, the user mobile devicesystems 20 can communicate back to the financial institution systems 30.In other embodiments, the user mobile device systems 20 is runningapplication(s) 27 that request and receive the user's authorizationwithout instructions or control from the financial institution systems30.

As represented by block 630, the next step is to authenticate the user'sidentity before allowing access to the user computer system 20. Invarious embodiments, different authentication schemes are used. Forexample, depending on the level of security or access associated withthe user computer system 20, different levels of authentication may berequired. As discussed above with reference to FIGS. 4A-4D, differentlevels of authentication may be used depending on the associated levelof access or security of the user computer system 20. For example, theuser 4 may establish preferences that dictate that the user computersystem 20 has a high level of security (e.g., 8/10), in which case, acorrespondingly high level of authentication may be required forgranting access to the user computer system 20. In differentcircumstances, the user 4 may establish preferences that allow a lowerlevel of authentication, for example, if the user 4 has recentlyauthenticated his/her identity to the user computer system 20. Also, insome embodiments, no additional authentication is required. For example,in some cases, the user 4 has established preferences dictating that noauthentication is required for the user computer system 20 to requestand receive authorization from the user 4 to access the user computersystem 20. Further, in some embodiments, once the user 4 has grantedauthorization for access (and authentication if required), the usercomputer system 20 does not subsequently request authorization (i.e.,the user has “opted-in”) and/or the user computer system 20 does notsubsequently request authentication. In some cases, however, even if theuser computer system 20 does not subsequently request authorization, theuser computer system 20 does require authentication for certain (or all)levels of access.

In various embodiments, the user computer system 20 and/or the financialinstitution system 30 accesses one or more databases, datastores, lists,memories, cloud resources and/or the like in order to determine theapplications 27 and/or devices 50 associated with the user, the usercomputer system 20 and/or the user network 2. The first of these varioussteps, as represented by block 640, is to access an applicationdirectory in order to determine the applications installed on the usercomputer system. The application directory may be stored locally on theuser computer system 20 or remotely on one or more other systems such asthe financial institution system 30. The application directory, in someembodiments, represents the applications that are already installed onthe user computer system 20, that is, the applications that areavailable for use on the user computer system 20. The next step in thisprocess is represented by block 650 and is to access one or moredownload caches in order to determine the applications downloaded on theuser computer system 20. In some cases, the applications that have beendownloaded are stored in a location in the memory, such as a downloadfolder. These applications may be in the form of an executable file(e.g., *.exe file) or may be a link to a remote network location wherean executable file may be downloaded or remotely accessed (i.e.,executed). The last step in this process, as represented by block 660,is to access one or more cloud caches in order to determine applicationsassociated with the user and/or the user computer system 20. Forexample, in some circumstances, a user may have selected an applicationfor use on one or more of the user's devices 50. In some cases, thedevice(s) on which the application is downloaded and/or installed isdifferent than the user computer system 20. In other cases, the usercomputer system has a “phantom” link to the application, and theapplication is executed or run from a remote location on the network 2.In any such case, embodiments of the invention may determine that theapplication has been selected by the user and it may determine the levelof the connection with the user (e.g., on how many user devices is theapplication installed).

FIG. 7 illustrates a process flow for accessing the user computer system20 to determine the devices 50 previously or currently connected withthe user computer system 20 or user network according to embodiments ofthe invention. The first step, as represented by block 710 and similarto step 610, is to request authorization from the user 4 to access theuser computer system 20 in order to determine the devices 50 that are orhave connected with the user computer system 20. The next step,represented by block 720, is to receive authorization from the user 4 toaccess the user computer system 20 to determine the devices 50 that areor have connected with the user computer system 20. As discussed abovewith reference to steps 610 and 620, this interaction with the user 4may take place in a variety of ways in different embodiments. Forexample, the request for authorization may be transmitted from thefinancial institution systems 30 to the user mobile device system 20 andthe user mobile device systems 20 may then communicate the request tothe user 4. Then, the user mobile device systems 20 can communicate backto the financial institution systems 30. In other embodiments, the usermobile device system 20 is running application(s) 27 that request andreceive the user's authorization without instructions or control fromthe financial institution systems 30.

The next step, represented by block 730, is to authenticate the user'sidentity before allowing access to the user computer system 20. Similarto step 630 discussed above, in various embodiments, differentauthentication schemes are used. For example, depending on the level ofsecurity or access associated with the user computer system 20,different levels of authentication may be required. As discussed abovewith reference to FIGS. 4A-4D, different levels of authentication may beused depending on the associated level of access or security of the usercomputer system 20. For example, the user 4 may establish preferencesthat dictate that the user computer system 20 has a high level ofsecurity (e.g., 8/10), in which case, a correspondingly high level ofauthentication may be required for granting access to the user computersystem 20. In different circumstances, the user 4 may establishpreferences that allow a lower level of authentication, for example, ifthe user 4 has recently authenticated his/her identity to the usercomputer system 20. Also, in some embodiments, no additionalauthentication is required. For example, in some cases, the user 4 hasestablished preferences dictating that no authentication is required forthe user computer system 20 to request and receive authorization fromthe user 4 to access the user computer system 20. Further, in someembodiments, once the user 4 has granted authorization for access (andauthentication if required), the user computer system 20 does notsubsequently request authorization (i.e., the user has “opted-in”)and/or the user computer system 20 does not subsequently requestauthentication. In some cases, however, even if the user computer system20 does not subsequently request authorization, the user computer system20 does require authentication for certain (or all) levels of access.

In various embodiments, the user computer system 20 and/or the financialinstitution system 30 accesses one or more databases, datastores, lists,memories, cloud resources and/or the like in order to determine thedevices 50 associated with (e.g., the devices that are currently or havebeen previously connected with) the user computer system 50, otherdevices, and/or the user network 2. The first of these various steps, asrepresented by block 740, is to access a currently connected devicesdirectory in order to determine the devices 50 currently connected withthe user computer system 20. The next step, as represented by block 750,is to access a previously connected devices directory in order todetermine the devices 50 previously connected with the user computersystem 20. Finally, the last step, represented by block 760, is toaccess one or more cloud device directories in order to determinedevices 50 previously or currently connected with the user 4, the usercomputer system 20 and/or a user network 2. The currently connecteddevices directory and/or the previously connected devices directory maybe stored locally on the user computer system 20, another device, orremotely on one or more other systems such as the financial institutionsystem 30. The currently connected devices directory and/or thepreviously connected devices directory, in some embodiments, representsthe devices 50 that are currently connected or previously connected,respectively, with the user computer system 20, other device or the usernetwork 2.

Additionally, it should be understood that a user 4 may have multipleuser computer systems 20, or that the user computer systems 20 ofmultiple users may be accessed in order to determine the applications 27and/or devices 50 that each of the users utilize. For example, the user4 may have some applications 27 and/or devices 50 that the user 4accesses through a mobile device system, while the user 4 may haveadditional applications 27 and/or devices 50 that the user 4 accessesthrough a tablet device system, and/or applications 27 and/or devices 50accessed by both. Moreover, in other examples, multiple users may beable to access the same applications 27 and/or devices 50 throughmultiple user computer systems 50. As such, the present invention notonly determines what applications 27 and/or devices 50 users access, orhave accessed in the past, but how each of the users access theapplications 27 and/or devices 50. This may be helping in performing theother aspects of the invention discussed throughout the specification.

FIG. 8 illustrates a process flow for categorizing the applications 27and devices 50 to determine information about the user 4 and theapplications 27 and/or devices 50 according to embodiments of theinvention. The first step of the process, as represented by block 810,is to retrieve the list of applications downloaded, installed and/orassociated with the user computer system 20. The next step, representedby block 820, is to retrieve the list of devices 50 previously orcurrently connected with the user computer system 20 and/or a usernetwork 2.

The next step, represented by block 830, is to associate each of theapplications 27 and/or devices 50 with one or more categories defined toindicate information about the user 4 of the user computer system 20.These categories may be or include, for example, one or moreapplications 27 associated with one or more of the devices 50 discussedwith reference to FIG. 2 and/or FIG. 3, and/or other devices and/orother applications. As another example, the categories may be or includeone or more applications such as financial institution applications,music/media applications, gaming applications, weather applications,navigation applications, social applications, utilities applications,food applications, retail applications, news applications, productivityapplications, and/or other applications.

The next step, as represented by block 840, is to analyze the one ormore categories to determine information about the user 4 of the usercomputer system 20. Finally, as represented by block 850, the last stepis to analyze the one or more categories to determine information aboutthe devices 50 previously or currently connected with the user computersystem 20 and/or the user network. The number of members, type and othercharacteristics of the categories may be determined and maintained foranalysis purposes. For example, a greater number of applications 27and/or devices 50 in a particular category may indicate that the userhas a high interest in that category. Conversely, if the user has a lownumber of applications 27 or devices 50 in a category, this may indicatethe user has a low interest in a category. Further, if the systemdetermines, through other data or information (such as from a socialmedia application, online banking application or otherwise) that a user4 is interested in an area but has no applications related to such anarea, the system may provide a recommendation to the user 4. Forexample, if the system determines that the user is interested infinancial industry news but the user does not have any newsapplications, then the system may identify an unmet opportunity forrecommending a financial industry news application.

FIG. 9 illustrates a high level process flow 900, for configuration anddevice connectivity based on user selection, in accordance with oneembodiment of the invention. It should be understood that the varioussteps of the process flow 900 may be conducted by a system, eithersingularly or in combination with steps from other embodiments describedelsewhere in this disclosure, in any suitable order. Furthermore,“system” as used herein may refer to the link system 10, user computersystem 20, financial institution system 30, third party systems 40 orany other system that conducts the process flow, either entirely or inpart. Although, in some embodiments, the process flow 900 is conductedby the link system 10 in conjunction with the user computer system 20.It should be understood that “one or more” devices and “one or more”applications disclosed herein may also refer to a “plurality” of devicesand a “plurality” of applications, respectively, and vice versa.

As illustrated by block 910, the system retrieves user information. Theuser information may comprise user activity information and user socialmedia information. In some embodiments user activity information maycomprise user contact information (home address, workplace, phonenumbers and the like), rewards/loyalty programs and affiliations,fitness activities, relationships associated with entities likemerchants, healthcare providers and the like. In some embodiments, useractivity information may comprise the user's financial transactions likepurchases, bill payments, financial transfers, insurance payments,accounts and payment instruments associated with the user 4 and thelike. In some embodiments, the user 4 may provide at least a portion ofthe user information, while in other embodiments, the system mayretrieve the information from suitable databases or memory locationsbased on receiving requisite credentials/permissions from the user 4. Insome embodiments, the user information may comprise social mediainformation, for example, information associated with the user's socialmedia accounts, online posts, likes, preferences and comments. In someembodiments, the system may automatically determine one or moreinterests of the user 4, one or more targets of the user 4 and/or one ormore applications 27 and devices 50 associated with the user based onanalyzing the user information in conjunction with other relevant datalike audio/video feeds of the user device, user's appointment calendars,the user's location, information associated with the user's peers orother customers similar to the user 4, and the like. For example, basedon analyzing the user's transactions, the system may determine that theuser performed one or more transactions using certain applications 27.The system may then determine that the user 4 is currently or previouslyhas been associated with the applications 27 used to conduct thetransactions and may then identify the devices 50 associated with theapplications 27 (user devices where the applications are stored, otherdevices that the applications can control and the like), frequency oftransactions with applications 27, entities associated with theapplications 27 and the like.

The process flow 900 represents determining one or more applications 27associated with the user 4, at block 920. In some embodiments the systemdetermines a plurality of applications associated with the user 4. Inthis regard, the system may retrieve application information from theuser devices 50, via the established operative communication channels.Application information may comprise lists of one or more applicationsor widgets stored on the user's various devices, locations of the one ormore applications, devices that the applications are coupled to, or areconfigured to be connected with, entities associated with theapplication, user's activity history associated with the applications,or the like. In some embodiments, the user 4 may provide at least aportion of the application information, while in other embodiments, thesystem may retrieve the application information from memory locations onthe user devices 50 or relevant entity databases based on receivingrequisite credentials/permissions from the user 4. For instance, thesystem may determine a first device of the user 4, and an application Athat controls a device D1, for example, a lighting feature in the user'shome. The system may further determine that the application A may befurther configured to control another device D2, for example, athermostat or a security system associated with the user's home orworkplace. As another example, the system may determine that a seconduser device, different from the first device and without the linkapplication, comprises applications associated with one or more entitieslike the user's financial institution, healthcare provider, a merchant,or the like, or applications coupled to devices like an applicationmonitoring the fuel levels or charge level of the user's automobile. Asanother example, the application may be the operating system of theuser's tablet computer, controlling the built-in camera or GPS device inthe tablet computer, or a software program associated with the user'sdesktop computer configured to communicate with a printer. In thisregard, the system may link the one or more user computing systems 20and devices 50 together and/or to the system, by establishingcommunication channels for information transfer. In some embodiments,the information transfer may be one-time, for example, the system mayrequest the user 4 to turn on the devices 50, connect them to a network2 and/or place them at a predetermined proximity for a certain time. Inthis regard, the system may store at least a portion of retrievedinformation at a centralized repository, memory location or database forease of access. In other embodiments, the information transfer may beperiodic for determining current information in real time. For example,the system may transmit control signals to a device 50, for examplesignals via a text message to a device 50 that is offline, that causethe device 50 to connect to a network 2 for real time informationtransfer, or that cause the device 50 to turn on from a suspended state.

The system may further determine one or more devices 50 associated withthe user, as illustrated by block 930. In some embodiments the systemdetermines a plurality of devices associated with the user 4. In thisregard, the system may analyze the user information and the userapplication information to determine one or more devices associated withthe user as described above. For example, the system may determine thatthe user 4 owns a bicycle based on analyzing photos uploaded by the user4 on social media. As another example, the system may determine that theuser utilizes a wearable device to monitor physical activity parameters,based on identifying an application stored on a user device incommunication with the wearable device. In some embodiments, “device”may refer to combinations of applications and devices that are relatedto one another (e.g., the application controls the device or multipledevices). Based on identifying the applications 27 and devices 50associated with the user 4, the system may present a link applicationdevice detection dashboard 1500 on the interactive integrated interfaceof the link application 17. FIG. 15, as discussed in further detailbelow, illustrates a link application device detection and connectiondashboard displayed on an interactive integrated interface in accordancewith one embodiment of the invention.

The process flow 900 may further comprise determining one or moretargets or goals associated with the user 4 based on the determinedapplications 27 and devices 50, user information, and applicationinformation, as illustrated by block 940 of FIG. 9. In some embodiments,the system determines one or more targets being configured to becompleted by modifying the one or more control factors associated withthe one or more devices 50, as described in detail elsewhere in theapplication. In this regard, in some embodiments, the system mayidentify patterns of user interaction with one or more applicationsand/or one or more user devices 50 based on analyzing the user activityinformation. The system may then identify one or more targets of theuser 4 based on this analysis. For example, the system may determinethat the in the past few days the user has been viewing informationassociated with courses/programs associated with certain universities.The system may then determine that higher education may be one of theuser's targets. The system may provide the user with periodic alertsregarding application deadlines, latest rankings, course information,study material for admission tests and the like to aid the user inachieving the target, as well as provide information related to how theuser 4 may utilize applications 27 and/or devices 50 to save funds foreducation related costs.

As another example, the system may analyze the user's appointmentcalendar and identify an interview appointment for a job opportunity,thus the system may identify employment as a target. After determiningthe target, the system may then identify target devices that may helpthe user achieve the target and control factors that need to be modifiedin order to achieve the target. In this regard, for example, the systemmay identify lighting/speaker devices (control factors comprisingillumination, volume, music and the like) in the user's home, user'scomputing devices (control factors comprising display of information,alarm/notification features and the like), and navigation devices in theuser's car (control factors comprising GPS coordinates, route fortravel, directions and the like). The system may then identifyassociated applications that are configured to modify the controlfactors, for example, an application stored on a user device configuredto change illumination, or an application associated with the user'ssubscription to a news entity. In this regard, the system may controlthe one or more devices via the application. Although in someembodiments, the system may transmit control signals to the devicesdirectly, without establishing a communication channel via an associatedapplication. The system may then enable the user 4 to achieve the targetby transmitting control signals to lighting or speaker devices on theuser's home to cause them to flicker, play certain music, changeillumination and/or volume to remind the user about the interview at apredetermined time. Also, the system may retrieve, compile and transmitinformation associated with the job opportunity, the employer, positionrequirements, latest news about the company/firm and the like to theuser's computing device by accessing relevant databases. Furthermore,the system may then transmit control signals to a navigation device inthe user's car to display a determined optimal route for travel to theinterview location and/or dynamically monitor traffic patterns, weatherand the like and dynamically modify the route for minimum travel time.

In some embodiments, the system may determine user preferences based onanalyzing user comments associated with the user social mediainformation and determine the one or more targets/goals associated withthe user based on at least the patterns of user interaction and the userpreferences. The system may determine one or more devices that the userhas previously used and/or one or more applications installed on userdevices, and further determine the user's preferences based on frequencyof use, most recent activity, type of activity (online or in-store),user's social media information and the like. The system may analyze theuser's activities and determine the preferred user devices for eachactivity. As another example, the system may analyze the content of theuser's social media posts or comments and determine that the user seeksto take a vacation. In this regard, the system may aid the user 4 inachieving the target of a vacation by managing the itinerary, enablingpurchase of flight tickets and dynamic tracking of arrival and departuretimes, providing language translation services, monitoring the user'slocation and providing local maps and the like. In this regard, thesystem may control one or more applications and devices of the user 4 toachieve the target.

In some embodiments, the system may determine one or more broadinterests of the user 4 and one or more goals/targets of the user 4. Asan example, the system may analyze the user information and determinethat the user 4 purchased fitness equipment or determine that the user 4runs every day based on information retrieved from the fitnessmonitoring devices of the user 4. Consequently, the system may determinethat improving health may be a broad interest associated with the user4. Similarly, the system may determine that saving for retirement may bean interest of the user 4 based on information associated with theuser's peers that are similar to the user 4. The system may thendetermine that opening savings accounts or investments in stocks may begoals/targets of the user 4. As another example, the system maydetermine that the user 4 seeks to take a vacation based on the user'ssearch history. The system may then initiate presentation of a linkapplication interest determination dashboard 1600 on the interactiveintegrated interface, as discussed below with reference to FIG. 16.

Continuing with FIG. 9, the system may determine one or more targetsassociated with the user 4 at block 940, in some embodiments, based onthe user's prior selection of the interests and targets. Thesedetermined targets may be more specific in nature and configured toimplement the user selected interests and broad targets/goals. Thesystem may determine one or more target categories based on analyzingthe application information and the user information and determine oneor more targets for each category. In some embodiments, the one or moretargets are configured to be completed by modifying the one or morecontrol factors associated with the one or more devices 50. In someembodiments, the system determines one or more target attributesassociated with the one or more targets. The target attributes maycomprise a target time period, optimal values of target benefits,optimal values of the one or more control factors and the like. Theoptimal values of the one or more control factors may be active (forexample, periodic control, control based on feedback and the like) orpassive (for example, based on a set predetermined value).

In some embodiments, the system may determine one or more targets basedon determining the locations of one or more identified devices 50. Thelocations the devices 50 may be fixed for stationary devices like airconditioning systems, alarm sensors, printers, stoves, refrigerators, orvariable for devices like cars, wearable devices, cameras and the like.In this regard, the system may compare the device location to that ofthe target location. The target location may similarly be variable whenthe target is configured to be achieved at/from multiple locations orfixed when the target is associated with one or a group of fixedlocations. In this regard, the system may identify one or more devices50 at a first location. The system may then determine a target suitablefor the first location. For example, the system may analyze applicationinformation and device information and determine that the user's home(e.g., device location) has heating/cooling devices, illumination andlighting devices. The system may then determine a target of loweringutility bills at the user's home (e.g., target location) based onidentifying one or more devices in the user's home. As another example,the system may determine that the user 4 utilizes a GPS device (e.g.,variable device location) and that the user's mobile device comprises acoupon application. The system may then determine a target (e.g.,variable target location) of savings on purchases both online andin-store. In this regard the system may monitor the user's location viathe GPS device and retrieve and/or automatically apply relevant couponsto purchase transactions based on determining that the user 4 isproximate a transaction terminal/proximate a merchant location.

In some embodiments, after determination of the one or more targets, thesystem may then identify/determine a plurality of target devices, suchthat the one or more targets may be completed by at least modifying theone or more control factors associated with the plurality of targetdevices. In some embodiments, the plurality of target devices areselected from a group of devices determined previously, while in otherembodiments, at least one device of the plurality of target devices isdistinct from the devices determined previously. In some embodiments,the plurality of target devices are determined based on comparing thetarget attributes with the control factors of the devices. In thisregard, the system may determine one or more control factors for each ofthe determined devices. For example, the system may determine thatdevice A has control factors 1, 2 and 3, device B is associated withcontrol factors 2, 4, 5 and 6 and device C is associated with controlfactor 3. The system may identify a target associated with targetattributes comprising optimal values of control factors 1 and 3, suchthat the target may be achieved, at least in part, by at least modifyingthe control factors 3 and 7 on one or more devices. These controlfactors associated with the target attributes are also referred to astarget control factors. The system may then compare one or more targetcontrol factors with the one or more control factors associated witheach of the plurality of devices and determine the plurality of targetdevices, based on at least determining that at least one control factorassociated with each of the plurality of target devices is the same asthe one or more target control factors. For example, the system maydetermine devices A and C as target devices since A is associated withboth the target control factors and since device C is associated with atleast one target control factor. However, device B not having at leastone common target control factor, may be deemed unsuitable since thedevice B may not be controlled to achieve the optimal values of thetarget control factors 3 and 7 required for the completion of the targetat least in part.

In some embodiments, the system may either determine the plurality oftarget devices based on comparing the target location with the devicelocation. Continuing with the example of providing savings on utilities,the system may determine that the user 4 may save an increased secondamount if other electronic devices 50 in the user's home werecontrolled. In this regard, the system may identify only the devices 50associated with the user's home as target devices since devices 50 atother locations may not aid the target of lowering utility bills at theuser's home. As another example, a health target may comprise monitoringcontrol factors like the user's pulse/heartbeat, movement comprisingnumber of steps, elevation of path and the like, throughout the day.Therefore, the target location of the health target may be variable. Thesystem may then identify portable target devices with variable locationsthat are configured to measure the control factors. The system may alsodisregard stationary devices or devices that are cumbersome to carry andtransport. In other embodiments, the system may dynamically establishconnections with target devices based on use. Continuing with the aboveexample, the system may monitor the control factors via a wearablefitness device/or a smart phone when the user 4 is away from home andmonitor the control factors via a stationary device (for example, atreadmill) based on determining that the user 4 is utilizing/isproximate/or to the target device.

The functioning of the target, control factors and attributes areexplained with the previous example of a target of lowering utilitybills associated with heating/cooling devices, illumination and lightingdevices and other electronic devices. The system may determine that theuser 4 will save a first amount (e.g., target benefit value) on theutility bill if the control factors of the devices are modified, forexample, automatically and in real time, setting the desiredtemperature/illumination (e.g., direct control factors associated withthe devices) based on determining temperatures outside the home/ambientlight, detecting presence of one or more users, automatically turningthe devices on/off based on outside temperatures, enabling the user 4 tocontrol the multiple devices away from home and the like. For example,the system/the user may determine that the target must be active for apredetermined target time period, for example, during certainsummer/winter months, or recurring for a certain number of weekdays at apredetermined time periods. In some embodiments, the user 4 or thesystem may determine an optimal value of target benefit, for example,savings of the first amount in a period of 30 days and determine othertarget attributes required to achieve the set value. In addition thesystem may determine one or more devices and/or additional devices thatmay aid in the target based on the device location, desired targetattributes, user input and the like.

In some embodiments, the system may determine one or more targetcategories based on analyzing the application information and the userinformation. The system may then initiate presentation of a linkapplication category configuration dashboard 1700, as discussed furtherbelow with reference to FIG. 17 and receive a selection of a targetcategory. The system may then determine targets based on the userselection of the target category. The target categories may comprisesavings targets, investing targets, earning targets, management targets,improvement targets, protection targets, other miscellaneous/suggestedtargets and the like. The savings targets category may comprise one ormore targets that provide savings benefits to the user, for example,savings on utility bills, savings on purchases, savings on insurance,savings on fuel and savings with respect to water consumption. Theinvestment targets category may comprise one or more targets thathelp/benefit the user with respect to initiating and monitoringinvestments, savings, assets and the like. The earnings targets categorymay comprise one or more targets enable the user 4 to earn new,additional or increased benefits, for example, earning rewards based onuser activities/transactions, earning loyalty points, earning points onachieving fitness goals and the like. The management targets may benefitthe user 4 by enabling convenient, centralized and real time managementof a plurality of devices 50, management of finances and budgeting,management of appointments, management of one or more automobiles andthe like. The protection targets may help the user 4 protect and ensurethe safety of one or more assets, for example, targets related tomonitoring possession of one or more devices 50, targets related to firedetection and control (for example, sprinklers), targets directed todetection of intruders and the like. The system may categorize/determinethe one or more targets based on identifying, for each target of the oneor more targets, a target benefit associated with the at least oneselected target category, as described above. For example, if the user50 chooses a savings category, the system may determine targets whichprovide savings benefits. In some embodiments, the system may determinea plurality of targets under each category and populate the interface1700 with the pre-determined targets, while in other embodiments, thesystem may determine the targets after receiving a selection of acategory. The system may then display the determined targets and theassociated category on the interface 1700. Based on the user choice of atarget in the link application category configuration dashboard 1700,the system may initiate the presentation of one or more targets on alink application target configuration and device connectivity dashboard1800, displayed on an interactive integrated interface, as discussedfurther below with reference to FIG. 18. FIG. 19, as discussed infurther detail below, illustrates the link application targetconfiguration and device connectivity dashboard 1900, displayed on theinteractive integrated interface in accordance with another embodimentof the invention.

Referring back to FIG. 9, block 950 illustrates receiving, via theinteractive integrated interface, a user selection of at least onetarget of the one or more targets, the at least one target beingassociated with at least one device of the one or more devices 50. Theuser 4 may select the at least one target via the target interfacesdescribed above. In some embodiments, selecting at least one targetcomprises providing authentication credentials for the one or moreassociated applications. In some embodiments, the system determines aplurality of target devices having control factors, that when modifiedcause at least the partial completion of the at least one target. Thedetermination of the plurality of target devices associated with the atleast one target may be substantially similar to the determination ofthe plurality of target applications related to one or more targetsdescribed previously.

FIG. 10 illustrates a high level process flow 1000, for deviceconnectivity and device control based on user selection, in accordancewith one embodiment of the invention. In this regard the system providesa comprehensive integrated platform for device discovery, active devicecontrol and target configuration. The system enables communication,management and control of remote and/or otherwise incompatible devices50 through a single integrated interface. Block 1010 illustratesestablishing a communication link between the system (e.g., through thelink application 17) with the at least one device 50 and/or the at leastone associated application 27 (e.g., application that accessed thedevice). In some embodiments the system establishes a communication linkwith a plurality of target devices and/or a plurality of targetapplications associated with the selected at least one target. In someembodiments, establishing the communication link comprises linking thelink application 17 with the at least one device and the at least oneassociated application, by receiving requisite authorization from theuser 4. In this regard, the system may initiate, a presentation of anauthentication interface in response to receiving user selection of atleast one target. The user 4 may then provide one or more authenticationcredentials associated with the at least one associated applicationthrough the interface. The system (e.g., through the link application17) may then gain access to the applications 27 based on successfulvalidation of the one or more authentication credentials. In thisregard, in some embodiments, the system may provide the credentials tothe application associated with the user device or transmit the receivedcredentials to the entity system associated with the application and/ordevice and receive confirmation of validation. In some embodiments, thesystem (e.g., through the link application 17) may validate the one ormore authentication credentials by comparing the credentials tocredentials retrieved from a storage location associated with the atleast one associated application. The validation of credentials may thenenable the system to control the at least one device and/or the at leastone associated application by modifying the one or more control factors.It should be understood that in one embodiment the control factors maybe controlled directly through a centralized location within the linkapplication 17. In another embodiment the link application 17 maydisplay an interface of the application that controls the device 50directly in the link application 17 (e.g., so that the user 4 does nothave to separately access the application that controls the device 50).In still another embodiment, the link application 17 may have aninterface that is manipulated to have the look and feel of theapplication that controls the device 50, but may be run through the linkapplication 17, without having to be directed or sent into theapplication associated with the device 50.

The system may then transmit, via the established communication link,control instructions to the at least one associated application of theat least one device to configure the at least one associated applicationto provide information and feedback related to the one or more controlfactors associated with the at least one device at block 1020. Forexample, the system may configure a wearable device to provide the heartrate of the user at periodic intervals for a health monitoring target.In this regard the system may transmit control instructions such thatthe receiving application/device may recognize and decode theinstructions. In some embodiments, the system may execute dynamiccontrol of the application based on received feedback from thedevice/application. For instance, the system may receive current valuesof the one or more control factors from one or more devices associatedwith the target. The system may then compare the received current valuesof the one or more control factors and the optimal values of the one ormore control factors associated with the target attributes. The systemmay then transmit modified control instructions to the at least onedevice, the modified control instructions configured to control the atleast one device based on the received feedback. For example, if thecurrent value is lesser than a desired value, the system (e.g., throughthe link application 17) may modify control signals that cause the valueof the control factor to increase to the desired value eitherinstantaneously/within a predetermined period of time. The system maythen notify the user regarding the change in control instructions. Thenotification may be in any suitable form. In some embodiments, thesystem causes the link application, either offline or running in thebackground, to display an interface with the modified controlinstructions and the completion status of the target.

Next, at block 1030, the system may initiate a presentation of a targetinterface for display on the user computer system 20, the targetinterface comprising the at least one target, one or more targetattributes associated with the at least one target, the at least onedevice, the at least one associated application and the one or morecontrol factors, wherein the target interface enables the user 4 tomodify at least one target attribute. This target interface may besubstantially similar to the interfaces described in FIGS. 18 and 19. Insome embodiments, the system may receive, user input comprising one ormore additional devices 50 and/or one or more additional applications 27associated with the at least one target. In some embodiments, the systemmay enable the user 4 to modify at least one target attribute associatedwith the at least one target. In this regard, the system may thendetermine new values for the attributes not modified by the user 4 andupdate their values on the interface. For example, if the user modifies,a time period or the amount of monthly transfers to a savings/investmentaccount, associated with a savings target, the system may determine newvalues for the final savings amount likely to be obtained at the end ofthe target period. As another example, the user 4 may add an additionaldevice to a current target. The system may then determine changes incontrol factors of the existing devices for the new device to achievethe target together. The system (e.g., through the link application 17)may then transmit, modified control instructions to the at least onedevice and the one or more additional devices. The modified controlinstructions are configured to control the devices by modifying theassociated control factors to obtain the modified target attributes andthe updated target attributes. In this regard, the system may determinevalues of control factors required to achieve the updated attributes andtransmit control instructions that modify the control factors of thedevices (e.g., by increasing/decreasing values, switching on/off,retrieving/displaying data and the like). As described above, the systemmay transmit control instructions to the at least one device, thecontrol instructions configured to control the at least one device bymodifying the one or more control factors in accordance with the one ormore target attributes, whereby the control instructions enable active,real-time control of the at least one device and the at least oneassociated application for monitoring and completing the at least onetarget via the target interface at block 1040.

FIG. 11 illustrates a process flow for active configuration of devicesbased on user selection 1100, in accordance with an embodiment of theinformation. The active configuration described herein provides thefunctional benefit of monitoring the user's progress towards achievingthe target and determines suggestions, such as one or more additionaldevices and/or additional applications determined to aid the user inachieving the target. As shown in block 1110, the process flow includesdetermining one or more additional devices 50 and/or one or moreadditional applications 27 that could be associated with the user 4 inorder to aid in reaching the target. In some embodiments, the additionaldevices 50 determined may not be currently connected to or have beenconnected to the user computer system 20 in the past. For example, inorder to meet the user's “improve” target under the “health” targetcategory, the system may determine one or more activity tracking devicesfor monitoring and tracking fitness-related metrics such as distancewalked or run, calorie consumption, and in some cases heartbeat andquality of sleep. In doing so, the system may determine that theadditional devices 50, when combined with the one or more devicesalready connected to the user computer system 20, aids the user 4 toaccomplish the target. In some other embodiments, the additionalapplications may not be currently stored or have previously been storedon the user computer system 20 (or accessed by the user computer system20) in the past. Continuing with the previous example, the system maydetermine one or more activity tracking applications for monitoring andtracking the user's daily progress. In this regard, the user 4 may haveto manually enter information into the application to maintain a log ofthe user's progress. In doing so, the system may determine that theactivity tracking devices aid the user 4 in efficiently monitoring theuser's health and aid the user in improving his/her health, and thus,aid in reaching the “health” target. In some embodiments, the additionaldevices 50 are associated with applications 27 that may be used tomodify one or more control factors of the additional devices 50. Inother embodiments, the additional devices 50 may be stand-alone devicesconfigured to operate independently of an application, or along with anapplication 27 that the user 4 currently uses. In still otherembodiments, the additional applications 27 may be stand-aloneapplications 27 stored in the user computer system 20 (or accessed bythe user computer system 20) that may be used to monitor the user'sprogress either based on manual input from the user 4 or using one ormore devices (e.g., gyroscope, accelerometer, or the like) already partof the user computer system 20. Moreover, all of these devices 50 and/orapplications 27 may be controlled in a central location through the linkapplication 17.

In response, the system (e.g., through the link application 17) mayestablish a communication link with the user device and/or associatedapplication. In this regard, the system may be configured to establish abi-directional communication link with the user device and/orapplication, thereby creating a data channel for transmission of databetween the system (e.g., the link application 17) and the user device.In doing so, the process flow then initiates, via the data channel, apresentation of the additional devices and/or the additionalapplications on a user interface for display on the user computer system20, as shown in block 1120. In some embodiments, the presentation of theuser interface may activate the target application stored on the usercomputer system 20 causing the user interface to be displayed on theuser computer system 20. These additional devices and/or the additionalapplications may be presented as devices and applications alreadyassociated with the user. In this regard, the system may be configuredto search for devices 50 and applications 27 currently connected to thenetwork 2 associated with the user computer system 20. In anotherembodiment, the system may be configured to identify one or moreadditional devices 50 and/or applications 27 that are not currentlyconnected to the network 2 associated with the user computer system 20and recommend the use of these devices 50 and applications 27 to achievea target.

Next, as shown in block 1130, the process flow includes receiving viathe user interface, a user selection of at least one of the one or moreadditional devices 50 and/or additional applications 27. In response toreceiving a user selection, the system may request one or moreauthentication credentials from the user 2. The authentication requesttypically includes device information associated with the user computersystem 20, user devices 50, user applications 27, user informationassociated with the user, and/or user's online banking account. Thedevice information may be any information sufficient to generate adevice “fingerprint”, or a unique signature of the user computer system20, user devices, and/or user applications. The user information may beany information sufficient to identify the user 4 and/or the user'sonline banking account. In some embodiments, the user information mayinclude, but is not limited to, at least one of a username, contactinformation, a password, a PIN number, biometric information (e.g.,physiological features such as fingerprints, finger vein and palm veinpatterns, as well as iris and facial recognition to verify individualidentities), a unique identification number associated with the user,social network information, an account number, or a card number. In someembodiments, the user information may be proprietary to the financialinstitution, such as an account number, a reference number to anaccount, a client number, or the like. In other embodiments, the userinformation may be public information, such as a phone number, mailingaddress, email address, or the like.

In some embodiments, the system may be configured to request individualauthentication credentials for each additional device 50 and/orapplication 27. In another embodiment, the system may be configured torequest a single set of authentication credentials for all theadditional devices 50 and/or applications 27 selected by the user. Inyet another embodiment, the system may be configured to request a set ofauthentication credentials for the devices 50 and/or applications 27currently connected to the network 2 associated with the user computersystem 20 and another set of authentication credentials for theadditional devices 50 and/or applications 27 suggested to the user.

In response to receiving the authentication credentials, the system mayprocess the authentication credentials for validation. In a typicalexample, the authentication credentials provided by the user 4 arecompared with one or more authentication credentials previously storedin a database. The system may then determine a match between the one ormore authentication credentials received from the user 4 with the one ormore authentication credentials stored in the database, therebyauthorizing the user 4 to access at least a portion of the additionaldevices 50 and/or the applications 27. In response to a successfulauthentication of the authentication credentials, the system may then beconfigured to access at least a portion of the additional devices 50and/or the applications 17 selected by the user 4. In some embodiments,the system may be configured to access the additional devices 50 and/orthe applications 27, thereby enabling the modification of at least onecontrol factor associated with each of the additional devices 50 and/orthe applications 17 selected by the user 4. For example, for anadditional device such as a smart thermostat, enabling the system toaccess to the smart thermostat may include allowing the system to modifyone or more control factors of the thermostat such as temperatureregulation, programming schedule, or the like.

Next, as shown in block 1140, the process flow includes linking the oneor more additional devices 50 and the one or more additionalapplications 27 selected by the user 4. In some embodiments, the system(e.g., through the link application 17) may be configured to initiate apresentation of an access interface including one or more features ofthe additional devices 50 and/or the applications 27 selected by theuser 4. The user 4 may then have to select one or more features for eachof the additional devices 50 and/or applications 27 previously selectedby the user 4. In this way, the user 4 may allow the system (e.g.,through the link application 17) to access one or more features of eachadditional device 50 and/or application 27. Accessing the one or morefeatures of the devices 50 and/or applications 27 may require the user 4to provide one or more authentication credentials in accordance with theauthentication continuum, described herein.

FIG. 12 illustrates how the data is aggregated from the devices 50and/or applications 27 in order to determine the user's progress inreaching the target. As illustrated by block 1210 in FIG. 12, the systemaccesses the linked applications 27 (e.g., as previously discussed, theapplications 27 may not be specifically associated with devices 50and/or may be specifically associated with devices 50) associated withthe target, for example through an electronic link with the applicationsas previously discussed. In some embodiments, this may include accessinga linked device 1, device 2, application 3, device 4, application 5, anddevice 6, if these applications and devices were linked with the linkapplication 17 of the present system, as previously discussed and asillustrated and discussed with respect to FIGS. 15-19. For example, insome embodiments as previously discussed, the target may be saving moneyfrom energy use within the user's home (e.g., which is one type oftarget within a “save” category). In such examples, the system mayaccess information coming from a smart thermostat, from smart outlets,from smart power meter (e.g., attached to appliances such as a furnace,heat pump, a/c unit, or the like to determine power usage of individualdevices), from a power application (e.g., an application that pullsinformation from electric, gas bills, and other related energy bills),and from mobile devices of the users 4 (e.g., people living in thehouse) that tracks the movement of the users, or any other type ofapplication related to energy use.

As previously discussed, the system may access these applications (e.g.,stand-alone applications and/or applications that control a device) bythe user 4 providing login and password information to the linkapplication 17, by providing information to access the device 50 (e.g.,device identifier), by communicating with the devices, by receivinginformation from third-parties directly (e.g., a power company), or thelike.

As illustrated by block 1220 in FIG. 12, the system captures applicationinformation (e.g., information from stand-alone applications and/orapplications associated with a device) from the linked applications 27and/or associated devices 50. The application information may be datafrom applications 27 and/or devices 50 with which the systemcommunicates. For example, continuing with the example from block 1210,the system may capture settings of the user's thermostat related to whattemperatures the user 4 sets on the thermostat over time, the outsidetemperature during the course of a day, the amount of power theheating/ac units utilize, the amount of power being used from the smartoutlets and the times of use, the amount of power the house uses intotal and the amount charged for such power based on capturinginformation from utility bills, the times of day when the users 4 arehome or away from the house during different days and times of day,and/or the like.

Block 1230 in FIG. 12 illustrates that the system transforms theapplication information captured from the various applications (e.g.,stand-alone applications and/or applications associated with devices)into target information for the users 4. The target information mayinclude the original application information, application informationthat has been converted into different types of data, or combining theapplication information to create useable target information. Forexample, continuing with the example illustrated in block 1220 thesystem transforms the smart thermostat temperature setting, outsidetemperature readings, power cost from utility bills, and power inputinto the furnace/ac into a determination of the price of turning up ordown the temperature per degree. In other embodiments this transformedtarget information may be made based on, or supplemented with, averagecosts based on location changes and varying prices. Continuing with theexample, the information captured from the smart outlets may betransformed into a price of having individual smart outlets turned on oroff using the same type of power consumption information.

As illustrated by block 1240 in FIG. 12, the system (e.g., through thelink application 17) may then aggregate the target information capturedand transformed from the applications (e.g., applications and/orapplications associated with a specific device) into aggregated targetinformation, such as tallying costs of using energy, savings currentlybeing saved based on previous costs, discounts utilized by the user 4,consumption information (e.g., kph used, or the like), user timeutilizing an application and/or device, or the like for futurepresentation to a user 4. Continuing with the energy related example,the target information related to energy consumption is aggregated bytallying the prices, costs, and savings associated with the applications(e.g., the stand-alone applications 27 and/or applications 27 associatedwith devices 50) related to the target information captured from theapplications 27.

As illustrated by block 1250, the aggregated target information and/orthe target information for each application (with or without anassociated device) may be presented to the user in a target interface.For example, FIGS. 18-19 may illustrate interfaces in one embodiment forpresenting the aggregated target information to illustrate what the user4 is currently doing with respect to the target on a total overallbasis. Additionally, the individual target information for each of theapplications 27 and/or devices 50 may be displayed to further illustratewhat the user 4 is doing on an individual application 27 and/or device50 basis. For example, continuing with the example discussed withrespect to FIG. 12, the target interface may illustrate how much energythe user is utilizing and the associated cost in total, and how muchdifferent appliances (e.g., furnace, ac, outlets, or the like) arecontributing to the total energy consumption and cost.

Block 1260 illustrates that based at least in part on the aggregateddata, the system determines the target progress already achieved by theuser 4 and/or target suggestions to aid in reaching the target as awhole and/or for individual applications 27 (e.g., the applications 27that may or may not have an associated device 50). For example,continuing with the example described with respect to FIG. 12, thesystem may illustrate that when compared with historical costs the user4 has reduced costs and reached 80% of the target (e.g., month overmonth, the same month a year ago, or the like). This may be achieved,for example by the system determining when the users 4 are not locatedin the home, determining when it is night and the users 4 are asleep,determining changes in temperature, and in response changing thetemperature settings and/or turning off the outlets during the day whenusers 4 are not at home and at night when the users 4 are asleep. Inaddition to, or alternatively, the system may suggest the user 4 allowsthe system to control more of the applications 27 and the user 4 cansave an additional 20%, or the like to reach the target. For example,the system may suggest that the user 4 should utilize and/or purchasesmart devices for TVs or water heaters in order to control use of TVsand/or reduce temperature of water heaters during off-peak times (e.g.,at night) in order to save additional funds. In another example, thesystem may be aware that if the user 4 has the power bill automaticallydeducted from the user account, the user can save an additional 1% onthe bill (e.g., this is an example of a potential savings that isunrelated to a particular device and instead is related to only anapplication). In this this way, the savings that the user 4 has alreadyachieved, or would achieve in the future if the user 4 undertakes thetarget suggestions, is determined.

Block 1270 illustrates that the target progress and/or status, and/orthe target suggestions are displayed to the user 4 in the targetinterface. FIGS. 18 and 19, illustrate simple examples of how the targetprogress and/or status, the target suggestions, and/or configurationsfor the target in order to allow the user 4 to modify the control of theapplications 27, may be displayed to, or utilized by, the user 4.Continuing with the example, by allowing the system to control theenergy related applications, as described above, the user 4 has met 80%of the user's savings target. Additionally, the system has providedadditional target suggestions, such as reducing the temperature in thehouse at all times one (1) degree, controlling use of additionaloutlets, turning off TVs remotely and/or removing a TV from one of therooms, taking advantage of bill savings offered by the utilitycompanies, or the like, may reduce energy usage and aid in reaching thetarget.

As illustrated in block 1280, the user 4 is able to edit, add, delete,or the like, the control the system has over the applications in orderto achieve the user target. This concept of changing the control overthe applications may be discussed in further detail with respect to FIG.13.

In other examples, the target may be a different type of target and thesystem accesses the applications and/or devices that aid in reaching theother types of targets. For example, the user 4 may be trying to savefor a trip, and thus, the applications 27 accessed may be applications27 specifically related to travel miles, travel rewards, discounts ontravel, but may further relate to any applications 27 and/or devices 50that the user 4 may utilize to save money to allocate funds to a traveltarget. For example, the savings from energy related devices may beallocated to travel. With respect to the travel target, the applicationinformation may include how many miles and/or other travel rewards theuser 4 has accumulated, discounts available to the user 4 and when isthe best time to purchase (e.g., cheapest, most flexible, or the like),and information from applications 27 and/or devices 50 that may help tosave money for travel. This application information may be transformedinto target information related to a cost that can be saved from each ofthe applications 27. The target information from the applications 27 areaggregated and presented to the user 4. In addition, a determination ofthe travel savings progress is determined from the aggregated targetinformation, such as the amount saved based on the original cost, howmuch the user 4 has allocated to the travel, and the additional amountof savings needed to reach the travel target. The allocation of fundsand/or the utilization of applications 27 and/or devices 50 may becontrolled automatically by the system to aid in reaching the traveltarget.

Another example of a target may be a wealth management target, whichallows the system to access different user accounts to use funds totransfer between accounts, buy or sell investments, pay down debt, orthe like. The application information accessed may include interestrates for debts, rates of return on different assets, account balances,investment allocation, or the like between various accounts. Thisapplication information may be transformed into target information, suchas market value of assets, actual rates of returns, outgoing paymentsbroken down by principle and interest. The target information may beaggregated and presented to the user 4 to illustrate the real rates ofreturn that the user 4 is realizing. The system may provide targetsuggestions to improve the user's rate of return, such as usingavailable cash to pay off high interest rate loans, and using lines ofcredit as emergency funds. The changes in the user's wealth managementmay be monitored, and target progress or status may be presented to theuser along with the target suggestions. The user 4 may allow the systemto automatically utilize the user's funds to take particular actions,such as paying down debt, increasing rates of return, or the like.

In still other embodiments the target may be improving health, whichallows the system to access wearable devices, smart exercise machinery,exercise applications, food consumption applications, or the likerelated to improving a user's health. The application information may beexercise time, exercise stress, health monitoring (e.g., heart rate, orthe like), equipment used, different mussels exercised, types ofexercises performed, amount spent on food and/or exercise relatedexpenses (e.g., gym membership, equipment purchases, or the like). Theapplication information may be transformed into target information thatcan be utilized to illustrate costs of exercise, costs of healthyeating, time spend exercising different groups of muscles, time spent onhealth related activities (e.g., going to or from exercise, spending onhealth related websites, or the like). The aggregated target informationmay be utilized in order to determine the user's progress to meeting thetarget related to costs of healthy living, time spent exercising, timespent on health related activities, or the like, and the informationrelated to the target is presented to the user 4. The user 4 may allowthe system to automatically control aspects of the user's applications27 and/or associated devices 50 to achieve the health related target, asdiscussed throughout this specification.

It should be understood that in order to achieve the desired target thesystem may automatically control various applications 27 (e.g.,stand-alone applications 27 or applications 27 that control devices 50)in order to help to automatically aid in reaching the target. This mayinclude making changes to features of the devices 50 (e.g., changingsettings on devices, turning devices on or off, or the like) and/ormaking changes within application (e.g., automatically signing up for oraccepting deals, transferring funds between account to funds targetsand/or improve rates of return, or the like). The control ofapplications 27 and/or devices 50 is discussed below in further detailwith respect to FIG. 13.

FIG. 13 illustrates a process flow for active selection configurationsystem with suggested actions 1300, in accordance with an embodiment ofthe invention. As shown in block 1310, the process flow includesdetermining one or more devices 50 associated with the user 4 and/or oneor more applications 27 stored on the user computer systems 20. In someembodiments, the system (e.g., through the link application 17) may beconfigured to establish a communication link with the user computersystem 20, and one or more applications 27 and or the one or moredevices 50 associated with the user computer system 20. As such, thesystem may access the user computer system 20, via the data channel, todetermine one or more applications 27 and/or devices 50 associated withthe user computer system 20.

Next, as shown in block 1320, the process flow includes initiating apresentation of a target interface comprising one or more targetcategories associated with the one or more target categories for userselection. As described herein, the target interface illustratesdifferent types of targets that the user 4 may be interested in based onthe applications 27 and/or devices 50 that the user utilizes, haveutilized in the past, or may utilize in the future (e.g., if the userdecides to download the application in the future, or the like). Thetargets may be presented in the form of cards that illustrateinformation about each of the targets, such as but not limited to if aconnection is made between the link application 17 and the applications27 and/or devices 50, account balance information for the user accounts,monthly budget information related to the applications 27 and/or devices50, and control and monitoring information related to the applications27 and/or devices 50.

In response, the process flow includes receiving a user selection of atarget category and a target associated with the target category asshown in block 1330. Following a selection of a target by a user, thesystem configures the applications 27, devices 50, and the likeassociated with the user 4 to provide information and feedbackassociated with the selected target to the user 4 in a target interface.For example, once the user 4 selects a target card, the system monitorsthe target, interacts with any applications 27 and/or devices 50 used tomeet the target. Next, as shown in block 1340, the process flow includesinitiating a presentation of a control interface comprising one or morefeatures associated with the one or more devices. As previouslydiscussed the control interface, may be an interface unique to the linkapplication 17, may be linked to the interface related to theapplication 27 and/or device 50 being controlled, or may be arepresentation of the interface related to the application 27 and/ordevice 50 being controlled, but is provided by the link application 17.For example, if the device is a smart thermostat, the features providedin the control interface may include temperature control, programmingschedule, or the like. In another example, if the device is an activitymonitoring device, the features may include gait monitoring, alarmsettings, calorie counter, or the like. In yet another example, if thedevice is an uninterrupted backup power supply for a home, the featuresmay include switching between the power grid and the backup power, aschedule, or the like. In some embodiments, the control interface may bepresented in response to a user selection of a particular user device.In some other embodiments, the control interface may present the one ormore features for each device and/or application individually. In yetanother embodiment, the control interface may present the one or morefeatures associated with the one or more devices simultaneously.

Next, in block 1350, the process flow includes a user selection of atleast one of the one or more features associated with the one or moredevices. In some embodiments, the selection of the features may includeassigning an authentication type to each of the selected features. Asdescribed herein, the different types of authentication may providediffering degrees of confidence regarding the authentication using suchtypes. For example, if a username by itself used for a first user,authentication may be assigned to temperature regulation feature of athermostat, and a username along with a password used for a secondauthentication may be assigned to programming schedule feature, then thesecond authentication should provide a higher confidence regarding theauthentication because of the additional layer of authenticationrequired. Further, within the types of authentication, varying levels ofconfidence may be used. For example, when using a password, a system mayrequire users to create a password according to strict rules designed toincrease the security level of the password, and therefore increase theconfidence of any authentication using the password.

Next, as shown in block 1360, the process flow includes determining anoptimum value for the one or more features. In this regard, the systemmay be configured to retrieve past information associated with thedevices 50 and/or the applications 27, and determine an impact of thedevice on the user's target based on the retrieved information. Forexample, if the user's target is to be more energy efficient and savemoney on electricity bills, the system may be configured to retrieveinformation associated with one or more devices such as a thermostat,electrical sockets, smart sensors in house, or the like. In doing so,the system may retrieve usage information for each of the devices 50 todetermine the impact of each device on the user's electricity bill.Having established the impact of each device on the user's target, thesystem may then determine an optimum value for each of the featuresselected by the user 4. In this regard, the system may be configured toimplement one or more optimization algorithms and methods to determinean optimum value. In doing so, the system may be configured to enablethe user 4 to achieve the target more efficiently and by using anoptimum number of resources.

In response to determining an optimum value, the process flow includesmodifying a value associated with the one or more selected features, asshown in block 1370. In doing so, the system may determine optimumvalues for each selected feature, thereby enabling the user to achievethe target efficiently. For example, if the device is a smartthermostat, the system may determine optimum values for the temperaturebased on user's schedule. In this way, if the values of the features aremaintained at their optimum value, the user 4 may be able to achievehis/her target of saving on energy bills more efficiently. In somecases, the optimum value of the temperature may be different atdifferent times of the day. In other cases, the optimum value of thetemperature may be different at varying seasons. In this regard, thesystem may take into consideration the authentication types associatedwith each feature when modifying the value associated with the one ormore selected features.

FIG. 14 illustrates one embodiment of using the aggregated data toimprove the user's experience when utilizing various applications toreach the target. The aggregated data and the targets selected by theuser 4 may be pushed to other systems or applications to act a filtersto improve the output of the systems or applications. As illustrated byblock 1410 in FIG. 14, the system receives an indication that a user 4is accessing an application (e.g., an application alone, or anapplication tied to a device). For example, in one embodiment the user 4may be accessing a search engine, a smart furnace application, a smartoutlet application, or the like. Block 1420 illustrates that the systemdetermines an action that the user 4 has taken, or is taking, within anapplication. The user 4 may be taking an action within the application,such as making a transaction, searching for information, controlling adevice through an application, utilizing a reward through anapplication, or taking any other action through an application (e.g.,stand-alone application or with respect to a device through anapplication). After determining the type of action being taken, thesystem provides the aggregated target information to the application(e.g., application alone, or device associated with the application)that is related to the application and/or action, as illustrated byblock 1430 in FIG. 14. As such, the application being accessed by theuser 4 may determine an output response to provide to the user 4 basedon the action taken by the user 4, the aggregated target information,and the target information for individual applications (e.g.,stand-alone applications 27 and/or applications 27 associated with aparticular device 50).

In one example, the user 4 may be accessing a new a smart thermostat(e.g., second unit, as suggested the system, or the like). As such, insome embodiments the system may provide the thermostat application thespecific temperature or temperature pattern at which to set thetemperature based on a target previously selected by the user 4 and/orbased on the aggregated information captured by the system from otherapplications (e.g., cost savings target, use of a previous smartthermostat, use of another smart thermostat, or the like). In response,the application associated with the smart thermostat may provide thesuggested temperature or temperature pattern to the user 4 forconfirmation.

In other examples, the user may be searching for energy saving productsover the Internet in a search browser. In response, the system mayprovide the aggregated target information to the search browser to helprefine the results of the search. For example, if the user is searchingfor energy related technologies, the aggregated target information andtarget information for individual applications and devices related toenergy savings may be provided to the web browser in order refine thesearch for products that the user 4 may not already have.

In another example, the user 4 may be searching real estate websites.The system may provide target information related to savings, styles,budget (e.g., mortgage budget, or the like), or other like targets thatthe user 4 has. The system may provide this type of target informationto the real estate website to pre-populate, filter, or otherwise providemore relevant real estate results to the user 4.

In another example, the user 4 may be searching for travel relatedinformation, and the system may provide travel, budget, style targetsthat the user has in order to pre-populate, filter, or otherwise providemore relevant travel results to the user 4.

In another example, the user 4 may be searching for health relatedinformation, and the system may provide the target information relatedto health (e.g., exercise information, food information, or the like) inorder to pre-populate, filter, or otherwise provide more relevant healthresults to the user 4.

Block 1440 in FIG. 14 illustrates that the system may monitor theapplication in order to determine the output response provided by theapplication in which the user is taking the action. As illustrated inblock 1450 the system may identify the output response and provideadditional target suggestions based on the output response. For example,continuing with the energy savings related example, the search enginemay present an application 27 or device 50 that may aid in reaching thetarget in which the user 4 is interested, such as battery storagedevice. In response, embodiments of the invention may analyze thebattery storage device, and present target suggestions illustrating howthe battery storage device may aid in reaching the target, thus helpingthe user 4 determine if the battery storage device may aid the user 4 inreaching the target.

As such, FIG. 14 illustrates that the user's own aggregated targetinformation and/or target information for individual applications maysupplement an output response provided by an application in response toa user action in order to provide more targeted output responses and/orin order to provide improved target suggestions to the user 4.

FIG. 15 illustrates a link application device detection and connectiondashboard displayed on an interactive integrated interface according toembodiments of the invention. The dashboard may display the one or moredevices 1502 and the one or more applications 1506 identified by thesystem, with alphanumeric, pictorial, audio or any other suitableelements. The system may display, either in the same dashboard oranother dashboard, information associated with the one or moreapplications 27 and devices 50. For example, the system may displaydevices 1502 along with the associated applications 1504 either coupledto or configured to communicate with the devices 1502 and locations 1508of the devices (for example, the user's home, workplace, the user'sliving room, GPS coordinates). For example, the system may determine aspeaker device controlled by an application C. The locations 1508 of thedevices may be fixed for stationary devices like air conditioningsystems, alarm sensors, printers, stoves, refrigerators, or variable fordevices like cars, wearable devices, cameras and the like. Similarly,the system may display applications 1506 along with the associateddevices 1504 either coupled to or configured to be controlled by theapplications 1506 and storage locations 1508 of the applications (forexample, the tablet computer associated with the user 4, isolated memorylocation/a SIM or chip card of a mobile device, cloud storage and thelike). The system may display one or more features 1510 associated withthe applications 1506 and devices 1502. For example, the system maydisplay representative audio/visual features associated with the devicesand applications like icons, logos and other elements to enable the userto recognize the application/device. The interactive integratedinterface may also enable the user provide/specify access permissionsassociated with the devices 1502 and the applications 1506. For example,the system may enable the system to access the user's locationinformation from a wearable device identified by the system for aspecified time period. As another example the user may enable the systemto access transactions associated with a financial institutionapplication, for example, a digital wallet, stored on the user device.In some embodiments, the system enables the user to choose the devicesand applications that the user wishes to control/configure with the linkapplication. If the user's chosen application is not stored on the userdevice with the link application, in some embodiments, the system mayinstall at least a portion of the application on the user device. Thesystem, at 1512 may also enable the user to specify additional devicesor applications that the user wishes to control/configure with the linkapplication.

The system may then determine one or more control factors of the one ormore devices that may be modified. The control factors may be associatedwith features or functions of the one or more devices. Modifying thecontrol factors may herein include, controlling, transmitting and/ormonitoring the control factor. The system may also determine one or moreassociated applications that are configured to modify the controlfactors. For instance, the system may determine that for a heatingdevice in the user's home, temperature settings (set temperature,current temperature), time settings and duration of operation, and powersettings are control factors. The system may also identify one or moreapplications that are configured to receive the current temperature ofthe home/room from the device, that are configured to modify or set adesired temperature for the room and that are configured to turn thedevice on and off, for example by ceasing/starting power supply to thedevice from an outlet/socket. Continuing with the example, in additionto the direct control factors listed above, the system may determineindirect control factors for the device, for example, powerrequirements/power usage (for example, Watts), cost of utilizing thedevice, monthly budget of the user and the like. In this regard, thesystem may determine other associated applications, for example, autility/service provider application configured to provide the powerusage information associated with the device and a financial institutionapplication to provide information about previous utility bill paymentsfrom a user account. If the associated application is not stored on theuser device comprising the link application, in some embodiments, thesystem may automatically install at least a portion of the associatedapplication on the user device, based on receiving authorization fromthe user. Although, the system may determine control factors of thedevices that may be modified remotely, via one or more applications onthe user device or the link application, the system may also determine,in some embodiments, one or more control factors that require in-personcontrol. In this regard, the system may transmit reminders andnotifications to the user or secondary users to modify the controlfactor.

FIG. 16 illustrates a link application interest determination dashboarddisplayed on an interactive integrated interface according toembodiments of the invention. The system may present the one or moredetermined interests 1602 and targets 1604 of the user along with visualrepresentation of the interests and targets, or additional information1606 on the dashboard. The interface may enable the user to choose oneor more interests or targets for further analysis and also provide oneor more new interests.

FIG. 17 illustrates a link application category configuration dashboarddisplayed on an interactive integrated interface according toembodiments of the invention. The system may display the one or moretarget categories 1702 and the associated targets 1706 on the interface.In some embodiments, the system may enable the user 4 to scroll throughthe categories and the related targets, for example, via action button1704. The interface may further display additional information,audio/visual elements 1708 associated with the target 1706. Theinterface may enable the user 4 to choose a certain category and chooseone or more targets associated with the category.

FIG. 18 illustrates a link application target configuration and deviceconnectivity dashboard displayed on an interactive integrated interfaceaccording to embodiments of the invention. The link application targetconfiguration and device connectivity dashboard 1800 may be referred toas a target interface or a control interface, elsewhere in thedisclosure. The system may display the target card 1802 comprising atarget identifier like a title, a picture or any other suitable means toenable the user to recognize the target. In some embodiments, the systemmay further display a target details, or proposed solutions 1804comprising a brief description of the target, associated pictures,target attributes, history of previous activities associated with thetarget, related targets or the like. In some embodiments, the system maydetermine, one or more devices 1808 and one or more associatedapplications 1806, that when connected are configured to complete thetarget. In this regard, the system may determine one or moreapplications required to modify the control factors according to thedesired target attributes. For example, the system may determine atarget that the user 4 would save a certain amount on fuel by utilizingpublic transport or cycling to reach the user's workplace. The systemmay then determine that the applications associated with the user'swearable device for user location determination and fuel monitoringapplication associated with the user's car to be the applications 27coupled to devices 50 related to the target. The system may furtherdetermine that a financial institution application associated with auser financial account is an associated application, with previous fuelpayments being the control factors. The system may determine savings infuel payments based on determining the trips of the user 4 to theworkplace, via the wearable device and application and determining thereduction in fuel payments via the banking application. The system mayalso display control factors 1810 associated with device and theapplications. In this regard, in some embodiments, the system maydisplay one or more control factors that are required to be modified toachieve the target and one or more control features that do not aid inachieving the target. The user 4 may further have the ability to turnon/off the control factors that the user wants to use to control theapplications 27 and/or devices 50, or that the user 4 wants the systemto automatically control.

The system may then determine storage locations of the one or morerelated applications comprising memory locations on the user devices,cloud storage, databases associated with one or more entities and thelike. The system may then establish data channels for communicationbetween the user device and each of the one or more related applicationslocations. The system may then extract representative elementsassociated with each of the one or more related applications from thestorage locations and display the representative elements associatedwith the one or more related applications on the interactive integratedinterface 1800. For example, the systems may display representativevisual/graphical element, audio features, textual element, associatedwith the devices and applications like application/entity names, icons,logos, characteristic sounds and other elements to enable the user 4 torecognize the application/device. In some embodiments, the system mayextract or emulate at least a portion of functional features associatedwith the interfaces of the one or more applications and display them onthe integrated interface, while maintaining their functionality. Thesystem may then enable the user to modify or authorize modification ofcontrol factors, set target attributes, provide accesspermissions/authentication and the like 1812, in real time, for aplurality of applications and devices via the single interactiveinterface. The system may also determine the current values of targetbenefits and determine progress of current targets. For example, thetarget benefit value may be achieving movement of a first number ofsteps/miles on a particular day for a fitness target. The system mayindicate to the user that the user has completed a second number ofsteps/miles at a certain heart rate and determine a percentage targetprogress, illustrated at 1814. The system may further display the statusof the target at 1816. In this regard, the system may enable the user tocreate a new target, commence proposed target, start existing pausedtargets and display the statues of current targets like active, paused,complete and the like. The system may enable the user to configure thetarget as illustrated at 1818, by modifying one or more parametersdescribed above.

FIG. 19 illustrates the link application target configuration and deviceconnectivity dashboard displayed on the interactive integrated interfaceaccording to embodiments of the invention. Dashboard 1900 may besubstantially similar to the target interface 1800 described above.However, the target interface 1900 illustrates a target configured to becompleted by connecting/linking one or more applications. In this regardthe FIG. 19, illustrates applications 1906 and 1908. For example, thetarget may be directed to obtaining savings on purchases. In this regardthe system may determine a coupon application, a digital walletapplication and a location determination application as the associatedapplications. The system may initiate electronic delivery of couponsbased on determining the user's location within a particular storeand/or automatically apply the coupons to the transactions via thedigital wallet applications. In some embodiments, the locationdetermination application may be coupled to the GPS device on the userdevice, for determining user location.

As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art in view of thisdisclosure, embodiments of the invention may be embodied as an apparatus(e.g., a system, computer program product, and/or other device), amethod, or a combination of the foregoing. Accordingly, embodiments ofthe invention may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, anentirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software,micro-code, etc.), or an embodiment combining software and hardwareaspects that may generally be referred to herein as a “system.”Furthermore, embodiments of the invention may take the form of acomputer program product comprising a computer-usable storage mediumhaving computer-usable program code/computer-readable instructionsembodied in the medium.

Any suitable computer-usable or computer-readable medium may beutilized. The computer usable or computer readable medium may be, forexample but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical,electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, ordevice. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of thecomputer-readable medium would include the following: an electricalconnection having one or more wires; a tangible medium such as aportable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), aread-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROMor Flash memory), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), or othertangible optical or magnetic storage device.

Computer program code/computer-readable instructions for carrying outoperations of embodiments of the invention may be written in an objectoriented, scripted or unscripted programming language such as Java,Pearl, Smalltalk, C++ or the like. However, the computer programcode/computer-readable instructions for carrying out operations of theinvention may also be written in conventional procedural programminglanguages, such as the “C” programming language or similar programminglanguages.

Embodiments of the invention described above, with reference toflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods or apparatuses(the term “apparatus” including systems and computer program products),will be understood to include that each block of the flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in theflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented bycomputer program instructions. These computer program instructions maybe provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, specialpurpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus toproduce a particular machine, such that the instructions, which executevia the processor of the computer or other programmable data processingapparatus, create mechanisms for implementing the functions/actsspecified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in acomputer-readable memory that can direct a computer or otherprogrammable data processing apparatus to function in a particularmanner, such that the instructions stored in the computer readablememory produce an article of manufacture including instructions, whichimplement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks.

The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer orother programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series ofoperational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmableapparatus to produce a computer implemented process such that theinstructions, which execute on the computer or other programmableapparatus, provide steps for implementing the functions/acts specifiedin the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. Alternatively,computer program implemented steps or acts may be combined with operatoror human implemented steps or acts in order to carry out an embodimentof the invention.

Specific embodiments of the invention are described herein. Manymodifications and other embodiments of the invention set forth hereinwill come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the inventionpertains, having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoingdescriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to beunderstood that the invention is not to be limited to the specificembodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments andcombinations of embodiments are intended to be included within the scopeof the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein,they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not forpurposes of limitation.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

To supplement the present disclosure, this application furtherincorporates entirely by reference the following commonly assignedpatent applications:

U.S. Patent Docket Application Number Ser. No. Title Filed On014033-002539 To be SYSTEM FOR DISCOVERY Concur- assigned OF SOFTWAREOPERABLE rently ON A DEVICE herewith 014033-002540 To be SYSTEM FORDISCOVERY Concur- assigned OF DEVICES AND rently CONNECTIONS herewithASSOCIATED WITH A DEVICE 014033-002541 To be SYSTEM FOR Concur- assignedCONFIGURATION AND rently DEVICE CONNECTIVITY herewith BASED ON USERSELECTION 014033-002542 To be SYSTEM FOR Concur- assigned CONFIGURATION,rently DEVICE CONNECTIVITY herewith AND DEVICE CONTROL BASED ON USERSELECTION 014033-002544 To be ACTIVE SELECTION Concur- assignedCONFIGURATION rently SYSTEM WITH herewith SUGGESTED ACTIONS014033-002545 To be APPLICATION Concur- assigned CONNECTIVITY FOR rentlyAGGREGATION herewith 014033-002546 To be APPLICATION Concur- assignedCONNECTIVITY FOR rently AGGREGATION AND FOR herewith USE IN DATAFILTERING 014033-002547 To be TARGET PRESENTMENT Concur- assignedINTERFACE rently herewith 014033-002548 To be USER INTERFACE Concur-assigned CUING rently herewith

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for active management of devices basedon user selection, the system comprising: at least one non-transitorystorage device; at least one processor; and at least one module storedin said storage device and comprising instruction code that isexecutable by the at least one processor and configured to cause said atleast one processor to: establish a communication link with a userdevice, wherein the establishing further comprises establishing a datachannel to access a user device; access the user device via theestablished data channel, wherein accessing further comprisesdetermining a plurality applications stored on the user device;determine a plurality of devices associated with the user device basedat least in part on the plurality of applications; initiate, via theestablished communication link, a presentation of a target interface,wherein the target interface comprises one or more target categories andone or more targets associated with the one or more target categoriesdetermined based on at least the plurality of devices and the pluralityof applications; receive, via the target interface, a user selection ofa target category and a target associated with the target category;initiate, via the established communication link, a control interface,wherein the control interface comprises one or more features associatedwith the plurality of devices; receive, via the control interface, auser selection of at least one of the one or more features associatedwith the plurality of devices, thereby allowing one or more controlfactors associated with the one or more features to be modified;determine an optimum value for the one or more selected features,wherein applying the optimum value to the one or more selected featuresaids the user in accomplishing the selected target; and modify a valueassociated with the one or more selected features to reflect the optimumvalue.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of devices arecurrently connected to a user device and/or the plurality ofapplications are currently stored on the user device.
 3. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the plurality of devices and/or the plurality ofapplications have been connected to the user device in the past.
 4. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the module is further configured to cause theat least one processor to: execute a simulation by varying one or morevalues of the one or more features relative to the selected target,wherein executing further comprises determining an impact valueassociated with the selected target, wherein the impact value indicatesa likelihood of the user accomplishing the target; and determine anoptimum value for the one or more features based on at least the impactvalue.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the module is furtherconfigured to cause the at least one processor to: initiate apresentation of an authentication interface in response to determiningthe plurality of devices associated with the user and the plurality ofapplications stored on the user device; receive, via the authenticationinterface, one or more authentication credentials from the user;validate the one or more authentication credentials; and access theplurality of devices associated with the user and/or the plurality ofapplications stored on the user device, wherein accessing furthercomprises modifying at least one control factor associated with theplurality of devices via the plurality of applications stored on theuser device.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the module is furtherconfigured to cause the at least one processor to: determine one or moreadditional devices and/or one or more additional applications associatedwith the user based on at least determining that the one or moreadditional devices when combined with the plurality of devices aids theuser to accomplish the target.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the oneor more additional devices are not currently connected to a user deviceand/or the one or more additional applications are not currently storedon the user device.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the one or moreadditional devices and/or the one or more additional applications havenot been connected to the user device in the past.
 9. A method foractive management of devices based on user selection, the methodcomprising: establishing, using a computing device processor, acommunication link with a user device, wherein the establishing furthercomprises establishing a data channel to access a user device;accessing, using a computing device processor, the user device via theestablished data channel, wherein accessing further comprisesdetermining a plurality applications stored on the user device;determining, using a computing device processor, a plurality of devicesassociated with the user based at least in part on the plurality ofapplications; initiating, via the established communication link, apresentation of a target interface, wherein the target interfacecomprises one or more target categories and one or more targetsassociated with the one or more target categories determined based on atleast the plurality of devices and the plurality of applications;receiving, via the target interface, a user selection of a targetcategory and a target associated with the target category; initiating,via the established communication link, a control interface, wherein thecontrol interface comprises one or more features associated with theplurality of devices; receiving, via the control interface, a userselection of at least one of the one or more features associated withthe plurality of devices, thereby allowing one or more control factorsassociated with the one or more features to be modified; determining,using a computing device processor, an optimum value for the one or moreselected features, wherein applying the optimum value to the one or moreselected features aids the user in accomplishing the selected target;and modifying, using a computing device processor, a value associatedwith the one or more selected features to reflect the optimum value. 10.The method of claim 9, wherein the plurality of devices are currentlyconnected to a user device and/or the plurality of applications arecurrently stored on the user device.
 11. The method of claim 9, whereinthe plurality of devices and/or the plurality of applications have beenconnected to the user device in the past.
 12. The method of claim 9,wherein the method further comprises: executing a simulation by varyingone or more values of the one or more features relative to the selectedtarget, wherein executing further comprises determining an impact valueassociated with the selected target, wherein the impact value indicatesa likelihood of the user accomplishing the target; and determining anoptimum value for the one or more features based on at least the impactvalue.
 13. The method of claim 9, wherein the method further comprises:initiating a presentation of an authentication interface in response todetermining the plurality of devices associated with the user and theplurality of applications stored on the user device; receiving, via theauthentication interface, one or more authentication credentials fromthe user; validating the one or more authentication credentials; andaccessing the plurality of devices associated with the user and/or theplurality of applications stored on the user device, wherein accessingfurther comprises modifying at least one control factor associated withthe plurality of devices via the plurality of applications stored on theuser device.
 14. The method of claim 9, wherein the method furthercomprises: determining one or more additional devices and/or one or moreadditional applications associated with the user based on at leastdetermining that the one or more additional devices when combined withthe plurality of devices aids the user to accomplish the target.
 15. Themethod of claim 14, wherein the one or more additional devices are notcurrently connected to a user device and/or the one or more additionalapplications are not currently stored on the user device.
 16. The methodof claim 15, wherein the one or more additional devices and/or the oneor more additional applications have not been connected to the userdevice in the past.
 17. A computer program product for active managementof devices based on user selection, the computer program productcomprising a non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising codecausing a first apparatus to: establish a communication link with a userdevice, wherein the establishing further comprises establishing a datachannel to access a user device; access the user device via theestablished data channel, wherein accessing further comprisesdetermining a plurality applications stored on the user device;determine a plurality of devices associated with the user based at leastin part on the plurality of applications; initiate, via the establishedcommunication link, a presentation of a target interface, wherein thetarget interface comprises one or more target categories and one or moretargets associated with the one or more target categories determinedbased on at least the plurality of devices and the plurality ofapplications; receive, via the target interface, a user selection of atarget category and a target associated with the target category;initiate, via the established communication link, a control interface,wherein the control interface comprises one or more features associatedwith the plurality of devices; receive, via the control interface, auser selection of at least one of the one or more features associatedwith the plurality of devices, thereby allowing one or more controlfactors associated with the one or more features to be modified;determine an optimum value for the one or more selected features,wherein applying the optimum value to the one or more selected featuresaids the user in accomplishing the selected target; and modify a valueassociated with the one or more selected features to reflect the optimumvalue.
 18. The computer program product of claim 19, wherein theplurality of devices are currently connected to a user device and/or theplurality of applications are currently stored on the user device. 19.The computer program product of claim 19, wherein the plurality ofdevices and/or the plurality of applications have been connected to theuser device in the past.
 20. The computer program product of claim 19,wherein the first apparatus is further configured to: execute asimulation by varying one or more values of the one or more featuresrelative to the selected target, wherein executing further comprisesdetermining an impact value associated with the selected target, whereinthe impact value indicates a likelihood of the user accomplishing thetarget; and determine an optimum value for the one or more featuresbased on at least the impact value.